Join us for the Bare Boards Party at The Village Green!
WHEN: June 14, 4-7pm
WHERE: Frank Allen Road entrance next to the Cashiers Post Office
WHY: To welcome the newest member of The Village Green Campus: The repurposing of the former Summit Charter School site for community use as an open-air event facility.
WHAT: Fun for all! Hot air balloons, children's activities, great food, drinks and more!
HOW: Just show up and bring your family!
The Square at The Village Green
"Former school site to be repurposed as a community facility by The Village Green"
The Village Green Centre Bare Boards Party
On June 14 from 4-7 pm, The Village Green, located in the heart of Cashiers between the Crossroads and Frank Allen Road, is holding a Bare Boards party on the former site of the Summit Charter School. The school, which leased the property from The Village Green for 10 years, recently moved to a newly built campus. The community of Cashiers and surrounding areas is invited to come enjoy food, friendships and learn about the potentials for the site.
The party is to be "bare boards" in order to bring attention to this site as a future multipurpose open-air facility. Renderings by Village Green Board member and acting co-chair, architect Dan Duckham, will be on display. These drawings illustrate the potential of the site with its four existing turrets and covered walkways. These structures remained intact after the school classrooms were recently removed.
A large grassy lawn, excellent for tented, private parties, is envisioned in the former courtyard. Removal of a portion of the old boardwalk enables the the future lawn to open onto the adjoining Village Green woodland and walkways. This "Great Lawn" will provide a large 60 x120 grassy area for daytime play, concerts and various open-air events, similar to those currently held at the Crossroads.
The four existing turrets can provide 20' x 20' meeting rooms, slide/lecture facilities, set-up for benefit meals and lockable space during events. Each turret needs remodeling to achieve this purpose, thus The Village Green Centre has giving options for someone wanting to "Adopt a Turret".
The boardwalks are in pretty good shape and can be repurposed as artists stands, market booths, silent auction table space or creative space for benefits.
Parking for 40 cars is available with minor changes to the existing parking lots.
Restrooms remaining from one classroom building are available for small functions within the turrets, however most events will require temporary facilities. Electrical, water and sewer services are being retained following the vacation of the school.
The site was slated for complete obliteration according to the original contract. In the fall of 2008, as the school prepared to move, Village Green chair, Wesley Wofford and architect, Duckham, reviewed the site to determine what, if anything, was salvageable. They determined that the condition of the turrets and boardwalks was good. This gave rise to the thought of repurposing rather than removal.
Now the VG Board is embarking on the challenging task of making The Village Green Centre financially viable. "The costs for the repurposed facility are estimated at $26,000 for maintenance and to keep utilities active," according to Mary Palmer Dargan, who is interim co-chair of the VG Board with Duckham. VG Chair. "The Village Green is completely community supported. The proceeds of the Joy Garden Tour, held bi-annually, is our largest source of funds. We also have Greenies and Patronage levels. It may come as some surprise to the community, but we usually run out of funds at our current operating level around May every other year. The Joy Garden Tour funds are crucial to our existence. We've been looking for a way to increase our funding, and thought this facility might be a way for the community to have a special open-air facility for private parties."
So, the first party will be Bare Boards. Events include a hot air balloon, compliments of VG Board member, Brian Renfro of Remax. A pot painting station for children to decorate recycled pots for use in their home gardens, strolling blue grass musicians, yummy food and refreshments and information about The Village Green Centre.
Donations to the building fund and giving opportunities are available by purchasing a BARE BOARD with your name on it!
Watch "The Giving Tree" come to life at this special corner. Help the future unfold by bringing your children, dogs, families and friends of all ages to the Frank Allen Road site on Sunday, June 14 from 4-7 pm.