On Oct. 31 at the annual Endowment Scholarship Luncheon, Allen Community College patrons  learned of the five-year capital campaign project. The $5 million campaign is taking place, in part, to raise funds for a new Activities Building on the Iola campus.

This new building is envisaged to help bring more athletes and students to Allen and is intended as a place for all Allen Countians to visit and use as a fitness opportunity, as well. Today, the student-athletes of Allen are juggled in all-day schedules of practicing and working out at the current activities center, which is showing wear of aging.

With a new building, it is proposed, the student life will improve and so will overall success of the college. The added amenity for Iola and neighboring communities also is advocated, and the college has approached the city, county and school district about a possible partnership in construction of the building.

One idea that has been floated is an indoor swimming pool. While that’s not in the College’s initial plan for a new center, President John Masterson said a pool would be included if financial support from prospective partners showed their desire for it.

To gather input and gauge interest for a shared facility, Allen has scheduled a community meeting on Monday, Dec, 16, at 6 p.m. in the Stadler Conference Room within the Student Center. Representatives from Allen Community College and other local governing boards are expected to be on hand, and area residents are encouraged to come and ask questions and discuss suggestions regarding this new building.