A non-profit corporation has been formed by interested individuals in Wanamingo intent on purchasing and preserving the old Wanamingo School building. The original building was constructed in 1902 and served as the Wanamingo community through the Kenyon-Wanamingo consolidation in 1994. Most recently is has been utilized for the elementary grades. The Kenyon Wanamingo school board made the decision this year to close the Wanamingo facility and move all classes to the Kenyon building. The district plans to put the property up for sale in May. Fifteen persons from the Wanamingo community have formed the Friends of Wanamigo corporation to purchase the building and pursue ventures to utilize the complex to benefit citizens of the area.
Those involved range in age from 25 years old to those in their 70’s. They all have the same goal. They desire to maintain the historical landmark, which has a special meaning to those who lived here and attended school in the building. They live in the Wanamingo area and wish to preserve the building and create an environment to benefit the community.
Some of their ideas are to open office spaces and a day care center within the building. The gymnasium is currently used four to five days a week and they wish to continue to make it available for many uses. The Kenyon-Wanamingo school district will also have access to the gym for basketball and volleyball practice and games if needed. Events like Granny Basketball, Men’s Basketball and pickleball to name a few can use the venue year-round. They would look into renting out the commercial kitchen facilities for cottage industries and farmers market sellers who need a commercial kitchen for their products. The playground would remain available to all to enjoy. The parking lots would also be free for those using the swimming pool or activities at the gym. The Kenyon-Wanamingo school district would have permission to use the parking lot for baseball and softball games and practices. Coaches would also have access to the school building as needed. Classrooms and facilities would also be available to the Kenyon-Wanamingo school district if they needed it for pre-school, K-W Kids or any other needs.
This looks to be a positive alternative for the Kenyon-Wanamingo school district as they would get cash for the facility and it would still be accessible for use for school activities in the community. The non-profit foundation will operate the facility to utilize it in a manner that supports the strategic growth and economic vitality of the surrounding community. They look forward to working with the community and the Kenyon-Wanamingo school district to offer opportunities for all to create a valuable asset for students and residents in the area.
