February 12 marked the day Fruita's Community Center held its grand opening.

After a tie of 1268 votes for, and 1268 votes against, a hand count was called for upon the third attempt to pass the bond issue for the building of a Community Center. With many holding their breaths, the hand count was tallied with 118 votes for the community center and construction began. Four hundred and fifteen days later, the center was a reality. FCI had beat the deadline by seven days. 

According to Parks and recreation Director, Ture Nycum, 2500 passholders are now members, and this in 19 days of operation.
Fred Smith, President of the Mesa County Library Association, reminded the crowd that Fruita's new library was the first new library built in Mesa County since the year 1901, 110 years ago.

The crowd gathered as the dedication of the Community Center got underway.

Mary Caywood who donated many hours writing grants  for the center
stands with Karen Leonhart who continued Tom Dodd's work as she gave
so much effort and time to raise funds for the six lane swimming pool.

MCLA board President Dr. Fred
Smith welcomed the crowd
as he described the
wonderful achievement
of having a new library for
Fruita's Community.

Fruita Mayor Ken Henry welcomed
the crowd to the celebration.

Yvonne Peterson proudly
displayed the 2 cents
taped to the buttons worn to
help in fundraising,
complete with two
pennies taped there.

Ellen Roberts wore the outfit
she had created just for this
occasion to remember the
thousands of cans collected by
the Seniors to help finance
the new Center.

Fruita City Council gathered for the
dedication.

Reed, Palisade Mayor Roger Granat and Fruita
Councilman, Mel Mulder wait for the
dedication to begin.

The Caywood sisters attended the
special gathering. They represent the many
children who will now be able to enjoy
the Center.

Visitors watch from the run/walk track
as everyone gathers for the
dedication.

Community members gathered as the ribbon to be cut was unwound. Everyone
was given a special scissors with which to cut their own segment of ribbon
to celebrate the fact that Fruita has a Community Center now.

Mesa State President, Tim Foster watches
as former Rep. Tillie Bishop shakes the hand
of Palisade's new mayor, Roger Granat

Part of a collection of buttons created by the Penny Posse, used
to promote fund raisers for six lanes in the Center's new swimming
pool. 

Albert Reed, Mayor Roger Granat and Fruita
Councilman, Mel Mulder await the ribbon cutting.

Parks and Rec Director Ture Nycum
recognized many individuals responsible
for working so hard to make the Center
dream a reality.