Ground breaks on new center

GREENWICH — Work has begun on a new 12,000-square-foot community center that organizers say will serve as both a recreation hub and a place for celebrations such as weddings and reunions. "(The building will) have the ability to house two events at once if necessary," said project organizer Thomas Rhine. Rhine said the idea first came from conversations about the lack of after-school options for local children. "We've all realized that after-school activities for our younger children in the gymnasium space are lacking," he said. "So when we first started to plan this, it was based around after-school activities such as basketball, volleyball and things like that." When the village began improving the park by clearing woods and opening space, the group saw another opportunity. "After looking at the placement, realizing that we had a nice spot for a wedding venue, our focus has turned to that as well, hoping that it can make some money for our park," Rhine said. Years of planning Rhine said the project grew from a casual discussion among firefighters. "Several years ago, me and some fellow firemen were talking about how cool it would be to get this building going, and another one of our friends overheard the conversation and offered interest to making that dream become a reality," Rhine said. That friend became the project's anonymous benefactor. "It has been very important to us to give privacy to our donor because he is not doing this for ego or clout, but to just generously give back to a community that he has come to love," Rhine said. Over nearly two years, the committee met regularly to shape the plan. Members included firefighters Rhine, Jordan Lucal and Kurt Shepard; community representatives Danielle Allen of the Greenwich Improvement Group, South Central Schoools teacher Ty Dendinger, Joel Ustelton, Rhine's father, and council member and park board representative Jason Hunter. Builder Ammon Burkholder of Burkholder Construction also joined planning sessions. "We would meet, throw ideas at the wall, ask around quietly, just getting people's opinions and build from there," Rhine said. Breaking ground The project recently reached a milestone on Oct. 31 with a groundbreaking ceremony. "The site has now started preparation of clearing trees and checking grades," Rhine said. The donor's family chose the name The Gathering Grove. "Our donor and his family came up with the name because they felt that it would fit our small community and the placement of the building," Rhine said. Once complete, the facility will belong to the Village of Greenwich. "The village will be assembling a board within the park to help manage and plan for its growth in the community and surrounding areas," Rhine said. Local businesses have pledged donations and labor, and fundraisers will cover remaining needs such as chairs and tables. "There are many local companies that have expressed interest and donated money toward the project, along with labor throughout," Rhine said. "There will be fundraisers to tie up anything that has been missed." For Rhine and his fellow volunteers, The Gathering Grove represents years of quiet work and community commitment. "We just wanted a place where our community could come together — for kids, for families, and for the future," he said.