SUBMITTED REPORT
More than 300 supporters and residents gathered on March 27 on the Marbridge campus in Manchaca to mark a milestone in the planned construction of a new community center for the residents and the special needs community.
The “ground staking” ceremony provided the attendees a first look at the footprint of the building’s perimeter as well as significant areas planned for the interior.
“This is a day for the residents of Marbridge and for the special needs community to come together and celebrate a new resource that will be created to further enhance their lives,” said Tom Leyden, a member of the Marbridge Board of Trustees who is spearheading the effort to raise $2.6 million to build the athletic and events center. Currently, the Austin area lacks an athletic and performing arts facility dedicated specifically to adults with intellectual and physical disabilities.
He chairs a committee comprised of community leaders that includes Gary Manley, co-owner of the Iron Cactus Restaurants, who serves as the group’s fundraising chairman. To date, the Marbridge “Dream Team,” as they call themselves, has raised $2 million in cash and in-kind donations. The Dream Team also includes Craig Parks of Arts+Labor, Luke Sanchez and architect Craig Nasso, Marbridge Coach Huey Shaw and two Marbridge residents, Dan Beckmeyer and Kyle Leyden, as well as other leaders from the Austin community.
The team has worked for the past three years to plan the facility, with input from Marbridge staff and residents along with professionals in the education, development, communications, construction and architectural fields. The project is called the “Victory Hall Athletic & Event Center at Marbridge,” based on a suggestion by Marbridge residents.
During the celebration Nasso described the features of the planned facility, eliciting cheers from those in attendance. The 18,000-square-foot facility will include a wellness center that will house exercise equipment, a walking track and a fitness/exercise room; a stage area for performances; classrooms, meeting rooms, staff offices and a foyer featuring a space for awards and a bronze “Tree of Honor” to recognize the project’s supporters and provide an ongoing opportunity to commemorate individuals. However, Nasso’s description of the planned, full-size gymnasium drew the loudest response.
Marbridge entered its 60th year of operation this year, and the gym currently housing all resident fitness and athletic needs has grown woefully inadequate over the decades. Built in 1959, the cinder block building has neither heat nor air conditioning. At only 3,000 square feet in size, weight and exercise machines crowd the floor space and have reduced the basketball practice area to less than half the size of a regulation court.
“I am here today because I believe I was called to help build this facility,” said Leyden during the celebration. “We will build it.”
The planning committee hopes to begin site preparation this fall with funds already on hand. Construction will soon follow. The remaining $600K in the budget is needed largely for interior finishes and equipment.
Persons interested in making donations to help reach the final goal of $2.6 million can contact Michelle Levy, vice president of development, at 512-282-1144 or donate online at www.marbridge.org/donate/secure-online-giving.
