DOON COMMUNITY CENTER
by Dee Keegan
The Central Lyon School Board's
decision to close the South Elementary Center in Doon at the
close of the 1985 school year not only left the town bereft of a
public school, but also left the community faced with the problem
of what to do with the building.
In 1986 the town of Doon purchased the school from Central Lyon
for the sum of $1.00.
Knowing that in similar circumstances, too many of these closed
schools fall into disrepair and become the target for vandals, a
town meeting was held, and those in attendance voted to convert
the old school into a community center.
Much work had to be done and a lot of money was needed. From 1988
until early in 1992, $16,206.00 was raised through donations from
individuals and businesses. Fundraisers in the form of basketball
tournaments, dances, talen shows, etc...have brought in an
additional $4,951.00. Remodeling costs as of April 1, 1992,
totaled $74,931. with the town of Doon assuming the bulk of the
expenses.
Rooms were cleaned, painted, panelled and carpeted. The Senior
Citizens and the American Legion have their own meeting rooms.
The Public Library was moved from the former Town Hall (with a
lot of volunteer help,) and now occupies a spacious area. The
Learning Center Pre School, occupying two rooms, opened in
February, 1992. One room is presently used for Centennial
merchandise. Another large meeting room, as well as the fully
equipped kitchen and gymnasium are available for rent. At present,
work is being done, mainly through donations, on a weight room.
The old adage, "when handed a lemon, make lemonade"
certainly applies here as the big old brick building which served
the community so well for so many years as a school, is now a
very busy Community Center.