Making Progress
Getting Started
In 2018, community leaders began planning for the transformation of Merritt Elementary school and the grant writing began.
Clean - Clear - Secure
Volunteer clean-up crews began clearing the mess vandals had made, and the building was secured.
Grow
In 2019 a fenced community garden was funded and created right outside the Merritt kitchen space. This garden will be used to teach people how to plant, nurture, raise, harvest, prepare and preserve healthy food.
Fund
By 2020 significant funds had been raised for the transformations to begin.
Renovate (phase 1)
Now in 2021, architecture drawings are complete and construction bids went out this summer. Here is what is getting renovated with the current funds:
1) HEALTH CENTER: Community members will now have local access to healthcare, a pharmacy and addiction treatment.
2) BOYS & GIRLS CLUB will operate in the restored gymnasium.
3) AFFIRMATIVE LAUNDRY. Currently there is not a laundromat available for many miles. Well, that’s about to change with a new model of laundromat. Stay tuned!
4) COMMUNITY KITCHEN will facilitate events, fundraisers, workshops, healthy cooking classes and much more.
5) RESTROOMS will be updated.
Recreate
There is also enough funding to rewire electrical for all the rooms in the east wing. This is exciting space for activities such as: Arts & Crafts; Music Studio; Library; Computer Labs; and so much more.
Take the MERRITT SURVEY to share your ideas and wishes!
Further finances are needed to: a) Build out all the remaining rooms in the east wing; b) Renovate the stage and workout room; and c) Transform the surrounding 29 acres of land.
Innovate
Midway’s hope is to also be the flagship factory for an eco-materials manufacturer, providing jobs in new technology and design for sustainable, carbon-offsetting building materials and products.
Envision
Now for the large OUTDOOR campus … what a beautiful 29-acre canvas to create on! Visions of pavilions, gardens, courts, courses and trails are dancing in our heads!