The Eureka Springs Community Center recently unveiled improvements to its weight room.

Executive director Anna Smedley said the weight room has new rubber flooring, mirrors and an HVAC system. With the community center being housed in the old Eureka Springs High School gym, Smedley said, certain places didn’t initially have heat and air.

“We just haven’t been able to bring AC and heat into every room,” Smedley said. “This is going to be a really nice update for our members this winter to be a little toastier and this summer to be a little cooler.”

Personal trainer Joshua Trupia, who has been working at the community center for the past two years, said the new weight room is a huge improvement.

“The mirrors give people a great chance to check their posture to make sure their form is correct and the rubber matting floors are easier to keep clean and prevent damage if you drop dumbbells or plates, which happens all the time,” Trupia said.

Scott Price has been a member at the community center for the past two years, and he couldn’t agree more. Price comes in every day to work out. He’s a big fan of the treadmills and all the equipment the community center has to offer.

“I participate in weightlifting, and I try to do the treadmill every day,” Price said. “It keeps you young, right?”

The weight room isn’t the only update that Price is thankful for. He loves the community center’s locker rooms, which offer full showers.

“There’s no excuse not to come in, because you can work out and use the locker rooms to get ready for work,” Price said. “I’ve seen people go directly from here to work using the shower facilities.”

Improvements like these matter deeply to the community center members, Smedley said.

“It affects their comfort when they’re working out,” she said. “And what an amazing thing that we get to take care of this historic campus, to continue to improve the amenities we offer our members and guests.”

Price praised the amenities offered at the community center, including the full gym and a large range of classes. He loves watching people play pickleball, Price said.

“You see all age groups here. I’ve seen high schoolers working out and playing basketball,” Price said. “I’ve never seen more enthusiastic seniors in my life. There’s really something for everybody.”

Price added, “Eureka Springs is a small town, and you get to meet the locals here.”

Trupia said it’s rewarding to work for the community center, especially since it’s a nonprofit.

“I love working with the people and I enjoy the facility,” Trupia said. “It’s a great way for me to share my knowledge with people who could really use it.”

Smedley thanked the corporate sponsors who support the community center. Because of sponsors, Smedley said, the community center can offer affordable annual memberships: $75 for individuals and $125 for families.

“Our fundraisers and our sponsorships are the reason we are able to continue to do projects like this,” Smedley said.

For those who’d like to support the community center, a big opportunity is coming up. The fourth annual wine dinner, called Toast and Taste, returns on Wednesday, Dec. 10.

“This one will be sure to be our best yet. We have some amazing wines in our silent auctions, a delicious dinner and a super fun live auction,” Smedley said.

Board president Amanda Haley agreed.

“Our fundraisers, memberships, sponsorships and donations are what fund our operations,” Haley said. “Those funds go into our budget to maintain the staff and programming we have every year. It’s a vital part of our organization.”

There’s another opportunity to support the community center for those who can’t attend the event. Haley said the GEM program allows supporters to donate to the community center every month.

“It’s an easy way to give to the community center. You can donate anywhere from $20 a month to whatever you can contribute,” Haley said. “We’re moving forward as we always do. It’s small projects like the weight room that make a difference.”

It’s easy to see the dedication of community center employees and volunteers, Price said. He described their attitude as “contagious.”

“It’s community that brings us all together and makes it work. I really believe in the community center,” Price said. “I encourage everybody to come here, get healthy and stay healthy. You do that by joining in and being part of the community.”

Smedley said the community center wouldn’t exist without its members.

“We love our members so much. We’re excited to be able to make them more comfortable, and we’re grateful for our personal trainers that work in the gym and our instructors that teach our classes,” Smedley said. “We are so grateful to our community members that come in every day to use the space.”

For more information on Give Every Month, visit https://www.escommunity. org/get-involved/gem/