Battlement Mesa Activity Center celebrates 25th anniversary today

BATTLEMENT MESA, Colorado - The Battlement Mesa Activity Center is celebrating its 25th anniversary today. And just as an activity center should, there will be activities and free refreshments and food for the people in and beyond its community.

"All are welcome," said activity center director Anne Huber. "We have a couple of things we are commemorating, and we hope that we will have a good turnout."

The building was actually opened on June 1, 1983, according to Huber. They had planned to have the celebration on June 1, this year, but decided to hold it until today. However, they are celebrating not only the center's 25th anniversary but also the renovated weight room that was completed in January.

"We are celebrating a month late, but we didn't want to let 25 years go by without noting it," Huber said.

The center was first built in 1983 by Exxon/Mobile for a reported $4.5 million, according to Huber. Exxon/Mobile was developing what is now Battlement Mesa as a colony for employees that worked in the oil shale exploration industry during the "energy boom" of the early 1980s. The activity center is one of the gems left behind after "Black Sunday," when Exxon/Mobile pulled out of town overnight.

Over the years it's been one of the binding ties for the community.

"It's more than just a weight room," Huber said. "We have meetings, dinners, dances and activities for all ages. We even offer swimming lessons to all ages, too, and have had reunions here and even weddings."

Huber said that the center hosted a wedding just this past weekend.

"It's great for residents and for those moving here because we are state-of-the-art and have so much to offer," Huber said.

25th anniversary for the Battlement Mesa Activity Center What: Open house celebration Where: BMAC, located at 0398 Arroyo Drive, Parachute When: from 1-3 p.m. Tuesday, July 1 Contact: (970) 285-9480

The completion of the newly remodeled weight room is a big draw for the community, according to Huber, thanks in part to several local donors, such as the Battlement Mesa Co., Alpine Bank and Williams Co. Other portions of the funding came from other donors and grants as well, and the center will recognize all who contributed at the open house to show their thanks.

"I think when you have a goal of serving the community for this many years, you change and adapt," Huber said. "We try to do that, and people need to know that there has been an effort in the community to keep the center a viable option for the community. It adds to and is a focal point for the many activities that go on around here."

Contact John Gardner: 384-9114jgardner@postindependent.com



Post Independent, Glenwood Springs, Colorado CO