BLAIR, NEBRASKA (2024 December 31, Tuesday)
Don Harrold, Writer / Editor
blairtoday@mail.com – Facebook
The former college campus in Blair has found new purpose as a bustling sports and event center under Lutheran Family Services’ management, which began in October 2023. The facility, now known as The Gym at Dana Village, has quickly become a nexus for local athletics and community gatherings.
Bob Morrison, hired in March 2024 to manage the complex, is working to maximize the facility’s potential. “Most of the building was unused for the last 15 years so there are many things that need attention and won’t be done overnight,” Morrison says of the challenges. “Our rental pricing is right on target or lower than most of the other surrounding practice areas and rental spaces in the region…. also saving everyone time and money from traveling to and from the facilities located out of town.”
The impact on Blair extends beyond sports. “I’m not sure what the overall economic impact will look like for the city of Blair, but I do know that it is saving families and young student athletes a lot of time from driving to out of town to use other facilities for their in-season and off-season training in the surrounding areas,” Morrison explains. “While keeping practices in Blair, I imagine this also allows them to do their shopping local also.”
Immediate improvements are planned. “A couple of problems that will get attention very soon are the bathroom areas and HVAC. Both, although usable, need major upgrades that we are hoping to get done in a major phase 1 renovation. Changes to the rest of the building (inside and out) will come down the road.”
The facility has already attracted diverse users. “Our primary users right now are Youth Sports with Youth Basketball, Soccer, and 2 Baseball organizations using the gym this time of the year,” Morrison notes. “We have also had space used for Yoga, Business Meetings, Fundraisers, Birthday Parties and Anniversaries, a Summer Track Camp, Home School Prom, The Highway 91 Music Fast and of course The Dana Homecoming every year.”
A matching grant is currently fueling expansion plans. “There is so much space here to grow as funding comes in. Right now we have a matching grant that we are raising money towards. a $100 donation automatically becomes $200!” Morrison says. “Down the road, we will build to Blairs needs when that time comes, but I envision expanded areas for indoor practice areas for baseball / softball/ soccer. Maybe some outdoor soccer fields, a weight room, a large group workout area along with maybe an area for a few golf simulators. I will also be trying to start up a few adult leagues this spring for different sports.”
The complex offers five courts for basketball and volleyball, an indoor batting cage, soccer/football practice fields, and an outdoor running track. Recent additions include the atrium and upper landing areas available for events like parties and graduations.
Those interested in booking can reach Morrison at 402-707-9233 or email DanaVillageGym@oneLFS.org. Updates are available on Facebook @ The Gym at Dana Village.
