Community Center Rehab Project

June 3, 2022 in Civic OrganizationsNews

fairbury, ne senior center

The City of Fairbury is proposing a Community Center Rehab Project to make upgrades to the Community Center & Senior Diner.  The Community Building, originally built in 1978, is an important community facility that houses the Blue Rivers Area Agency on Aging Senior Center, Nutrition Site and transportation headquarters, along with providing a location for indoor sporting and community events.  This once highly utilized facility has seen a significant reduction in users and is starting to show its age.  It is in need of upgrades and repairs that will improve the site and make it possible to expand the center’s use.  We are proposing an $80,000 – $100,000 project to add or improve:

  • Energy efficient lighting
  • Energy efficient windows
  • Flooring
  • Sidewalk
  • Interior paint
  • Gym floor resurface
  • ADA assistive devices and doors
  • An indoor walking track
  • Volleyball and pickleball courts
  • Gym floor protectors to expand the use of the gym for large events
  • Senior Center Programing

In addition to making budgeted upgrades to the center the city is also applying for grants and reaching out to community stakeholders for commitments of local support and grant matching funds.  The scope of this project will be dependent on community support along with the total grant dollars and matching funding received.  We have begun collaborating with the school and other civic organizations to support the upgrades and provide intergenerational educational opportunities and we are encouraged by the community wide support we have already received from Blue Rivers Area Agency on Aging, Fairbury Public Schools, FYI center, Fairbury Public Library and Jefferson County Veterans association, all of whom are volunteering their time and assistance with advertising, event programing, installation of sidewalk and ADA assistive devices.  We are now reaching out to individuals and businesses seeking support to help fund the proposed upgrades.  Grant matching funds are directly proportional to local support and donations of any amount are appreciated.  Tiered levels of sponsorship will be made available and donating businesses and individuals will be recognized in the chamber letter, city website, newspaper and permanently at the site.   

  • $1 – $999 – Name listed on the website and in the chamber newsletter
    • $1,000 – $4,999 – Name listed on the website, in the chamber newsletter and in a newspaper ad
    • $5,000 and up – Name listed on the website, in the chamber newsletter, in a newspaper ad and on a plaque to be located in the Community Center

Donations to the Fairbury Civic Foundation are tax deductible as allowed by IRS charitable giving guidelines.

We propose to begin the project in June / July of 2022 and complete it by June / July of 2023.

For questions contact Laura Bedlan at the Fairbury City Office at 402-729-5261 ext. 2 or send donations to:

Community Center Rehab Project

c/o: Fairbury Civic Foundation

612 D Street, P.O. Box 554

Fairbury, NE  68352

Back to top