BURLINGTON — The Rev. Rich Hogg offered the dedication prayer for the new gymnasium on the campus of the Burlington United Methodist Family Services, Inc. (BUMFS) at an Open House for the facility on Friday evening.
Hogg wanted those who lent their hands to help build the gym, made financial pledges or helped in any way to be assured, “This building will be a place of refuge for the children on this campus.”
Speaking about the times of recreation that will take place in the 12,000 square feet structure, Hogg said, “This facility will allow us an opportunity to extend our ministry for the children.”
The Rev. Alex Carmichael, CEO of BUMFS, mentioned the “double duty” purpose of the gymnasium, and said, “We are thrilled to have this building opened to those on campus and also to the community,” as he pointed out the Burlington Volunteer Fire Company would be using the gym on the same evening as the Open House to honor their volunteers.
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“The gym will get plenty of use, both now and in the future,” Carmichel said.
One of the resident children that will be attending school gym class in the building had a tone of excitement in their voice while talking about playing volleyball, indoor soccer, basketball, and “my favorite kickball.”
Being a staff member for over 16 years on the Burlington campus, Kay Halterman remarked how an interior gym space is wonderful for the children.
“They needed this place,” she stated, as she recalled the children playing around an outdoor basketball hoop even when snow was on the ground.
Now, with an opportunity to receive instructions from Serge Babo, who has a height of nearly seven feet and knows how to put the ball through the basket, the children will learn the basics of ball playing.
“This is a state-of-the-art gym, and the best in the area,” Babo, a staff member, said, and also commented that the formation of a basketball team is set for the future.
Former BUMFS board member Dick Niland was overwhelmed as he toured the completed gymnasium building.
He was present at the groundbreaking ceremony for the facility in June 2007, and he stated, “This completed building is fantastic.”
Serving as board chair person, Connie Trickett, mentioned the new gym is not a new concept, but she understands as far back as 100 years ago an indoor recreation facility was often talked about by the then board members.
“I pray that the children that pass through the doors of this facility will be blessed,” said Trickett.
The BUMFS Auxiliary, lead by Barbara Rexroad, was instrumental in giving a sizable donation over the past several years toward the construction of the gymnasium building.
She stated a total of about $100,000 was the gift given and was raised through the Apple Harvest Festival, particularly through the sale of apple butter.
Besides the regulation-sized gym, the building also houses two bunk rooms, to be used for Volunteers In Mission and other work teams, two locker rooms, kitchen, laundry facilities, electronic room, and a multipurpose area, all adding up to the $1.1 million cost.
The construction of the building was under the direction of W. Harley Miller Company, Martinsburg.
