In 2014 the City of Elkins purchased a 1960's era building that had previously served as the Elkins National Guard Armory. 

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In early 2016, city officials tasked the Elkins Parks and Recreation Commission with supervision and oversight of what would soon become the Elkins Recreation and Event Center.

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Less than one year later, the facility was renamed the Phil Gainer Community Center in honor of the long-time EPRC Director, who played a pivotal role in the expansion of Elkins Parks and Recreation throughout the course of his life - which ended in November 2016, shortly before his retirement.

 

For many years, Phil had set his sights on adding an indoor recreation facility to the ranks of the EPRC arsenal and with the Elkins Recreation and Event Center finally coming to fruition, how better to honor his legacy than to name the event center after him. A rededication ceremony made the name change official on July 15, 2017. 

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Located at 142 Robert E. Lee Avenue Extension, The Phil Gainer Community Center is nestled on eight acres near downtown Elkins.

 

The updated facility includes a 10,000 square foot multi-purpose room - which is lined for a variety of sports and is complete with a stage area -  and a meeting room, both of which are available for event rentals (See our Rates). In 2020 the city committed funds to renovate the facility with modern HVAC, windows, roof and generator.  In 2021 a modern gym floor was added with funds donated by businesses and organizations within the community. 

 

The Center is home to ENGAGE Afterschool, Randolph County Hooked on Fishing Not on Drugs and regularly scheduled free youth programming. The building houses office space for the Randolph County Family Resource Network and Parents as Teachers,, along with Sunday worship services for One Hope Covenant Church, and monthly GFWC Woman's Club of Elkins meetings. The Center is also registered with Randolph County Office of Emergency Management and Red Cross as an emergency shelter.

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The facility’s kitchen is fully functional, thanks to a generous donation from the Rotary Club of Elkins and ample parking is available in an adjacent parking lot.

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CALL or E-MAIL today to schedule an appointment to tour the building or to request more information.

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