Bassett Community Center

03/27/2026

We have a new mailing address!
PO Box 122
Bassett, VA 24055

This mailbox will be checked regularly. Please note there is not an accessible mailbox at our Blackberry Road address. Please send any written correspondence to our new PO Box! Thank you!

12/31/2025

✨ Bassett Community Center | 2025 Year in Review ✨

As we close out the year, we’re proud to share a transparent look at the progress made toward reopening the Bassett Community Center. Through strong partnerships, dedicated volunteers, and community engagement, real progress is happening—and it’s happening the right way.

🗓 2025 Highlights by Month
January
• $50,000 Virginia Brownfields Assistance Fund (VBAF) grant awarded to the West Piedmont Planning District Commission (WPPDC) for site remediation of the gymnasium and restrooms
• Town Hall meeting held to discuss:
– Brownfields funding
– Market & Feasibility Study funding
– Henry County’s intent to apply for a CDBG Planning Grant
– Potential funding for pool renovation

February
• Board Vice President Ronnie Dillard interviewed by the Martinsville–Henry County Chamber of Commerce
• “Save the Pool” Town Hall meeting held

April
• The Market & Feasibility Study, originally allocated in 2024 by the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (VDEQ), was officially awarded and launched in April 2025
• Funding made possible through the earlier $50,000 VBAF award to WPPDC
• Study began to guide redevelopment planning for the building and pool

June
• Henry County, Virginia, in partnership with WPPDC and the Bassett Community Center, applied for a 2025 CDBG Planning Grant
• Public Input Meeting held on June 9
• Market & Feasibility Study Public Input Meeting held
• Board of Trustees announced new leadership, naming Rebekah Morgan as Board President, and introduced Board Goals for 2025 and Beyond:

1. Reopen the Bassett Community Center with modernized, accessible, and community-driven facilities.
2. Apply findings from the Market & Feasibility Study to guide program and facility planning.
3. Strengthen board leadership and governance through recruitment, training, and diverse skill development.
4. Secure long-term funding through grants, partnerships, and community investment.
5. Engage the community through transparent communication, feedback channels, and inclusive outreach.
6. Reestablish the Center as a regional hub for recreation, education, health, and economic opportunity.

July
• 🚧 Asbestos and lead remediation officially began
• Funded through the $50,000 VBAF grant and administered by WPPDC
• Work focused on the gym, restrooms, and foyer—an essential step toward reopening safely

September
• The final Market & Feasibility Study was presented to the Board of Trustees, providing data-driven recommendations for redevelopment, programming, and long-term sustainability

October
• Board President Rebekah Morgan graduated from the Virginia Rural Leadership Institute
• Launched her Community Impact Project focused on developing a comprehensive revitalization plan for the Center

November
• 🎉 Awarded a $145,000 federal Brownfields subgrant from the Piedmont Triad Regional Development Corporation (PTRDC) through the U.S. EPA
• Funding supports continued environmental cleanup at the Center
• Combined with prior DEQ support, this moves us significantly closer to reopening

🤝 Transparency: Our Key Partnerships & Funding
All funds listed below were awarded to and administered by partner organizations working on behalf of the Bassett Community Center:

• West Piedmont Planning District Commission
– Pre-Renovation Hazardous Materials Inspection Report (6/12/23): $34,000
– Virginia Brownfields Site Assessment & Planning Grant (1/9/25): $50,000

• Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ)
– Market & Feasibility Study (allocated 2024, awarded and completed 2025): $35,000 (administered through EPA funding)

💚 Looking Ahead
This year was about laying the foundation—environmental safety, planning, leadership, and community voice. None of this happens alone, and we are deeply grateful to our partners, volunteers, board members, and neighbors who believe in what the Bassett Community Center can be again.

We remain committed to transparency, collaboration, and building a Center that reflects what Bassett wants and needs. More work lies ahead—but we are moving forward, together.

Thank you for being part of the journey.

12/28/2025

Update: EVERYTHING HAS BEEN CLAIMED!

If anyone is interested in any of these dishes, we need them out of the Center this week. Please send a message if you’re interested, as comments are not always seen.

11/20/2025

💫 Meet the Board: Vice President, Ronnie Dillard 💫

Few people embody the heart of the Bassett Community Center quite like Ronnie Dillard. A lifelong resident of Martinsville-Henry County, Ronnie’s connection to the Center runs deep — it’s where he spent his childhood, built friendships, and discovered the value of community. Today, that same spirit fuels his leadership and service as Vice President of the Board of Trustees.

Ronnie’s story is one of dedication, faith, and hometown pride. Whether he’s driving a school bus, running his local business, or restoring a favorite community hangout, he’s always working to make MHC a better place for everyone. His passion for people and his belief in the power of shared spaces continue to inspire the Center’s mission of connection, recreation, and growth.

Through his leadership, Ronnie reminds us that revitalization starts with people — and that together, we can build a future where the Bassett Community Center once again stands as a vibrant hub for families, friends, and neighbors. 💙

11/19/2025

👀 You may have noticed a lot of activity outside the Center lately — this is why!

🎉 We’re excited to share that the Bassett Community Center has been awarded a $145,000 federal subgrant from the Piedmont Triad Regional Development Corporation (PTRDC) through the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Brownfields program! This funding will help us continue the important environmental cleanup work at our facility on Blackberry Road — another big step toward reopening the Center for our community 💪💚

This new grant, along with earlier support from the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality, brings us closer to making the Center a safe, welcoming space once again 🏠✨

📢 Check out the full press release below for all the details!

11/13/2025

🌟 Meet the Board: Bassett Community Center 🌟
The Bassett Community Center is powered by passionate people who care deeply about our community's future! Our Board of Trustees is made up of community members dedicated to creating a space where everyone can connect, play, and grow together.

Through our Meet the Board campaign, we’re shining a spotlight on the amazing individuals helping shape the programs, events, and opportunities that will make the Center such a special place.

💫 First up: Board President, Rebekah Morgan!
Since joining the Board in early 2025, Rebekah has been leading the charge with a focus on strong planning, effective governance, and rebuilding community trust. Under her leadership, the Board is working to lay the groundwork for a revitalization framework built on sustainability and transparency — ensuring the Center is ready to thrive as new opportunities arise.

🏗️ Current priorities include:
• Strengthening governance and training trustees in nonprofit leadership and fundraising.
• Developing a clear roadmap for revitalization, including early design concepts and operational planning.
• Re-engaging the community through inclusive, family-friendly activities and open communication.
• Building partnerships and seeking new funding sources to support future facility improvements.
• Maintaining project momentum through community input sessions and ongoing planning efforts.

Together, this team is building a strong foundation for the Bassett Community Center’s future — a place where everyone belongs! 💙

07/29/2025

🎉 Big news, everyone! 🎉 We're thrilled to announce that the much-awaited asbestos and lead remediation at our beloved Bassett Community Center officially kicked off yesterday! 👷‍♀️👷‍♂️

Thanks to a generous $50,000 grant from the Virginia Brownfields Assistance Fund (VBAF), secured by the amazing folks at the West Piedmont Planning District Commission (WPPDC), our crews have rolled up their sleeves and started work in the gym, restrooms, and foyer. 🚧🔨

This is a HUGE step towards making our community center a safer and healthier place for all of us. 🌿💪

A massive THANK YOU to all our partners and supporters who have made this possible! 🙏💖 Your commitment to our community is truly inspiring.

But hey, this is just the beginning! We promise to keep you in the loop as we make more progress. We anticipate announcing additional remediation funding for the remainder of the building soon. So, stay tuned and watch this space for more updates! 📢👀

Here's to a safer and healthier Bassett Community Center! 🎈🎊

06/26/2025

What do YOU think are the top 3 priorities or community needs that Bassett Community Center could meet? Of these, do you consider them to be something that doesn't exist for anyone in the community or something that only some people have access to? Let us know your thoughts to help guide our market and feasibility study.

06/19/2025

📣 Join us for Pizza and Possibilities! 🍕
We're hosting a public input meeting for the Bassett Community Center Market & Feasibility Study and we want to hear from YOU!

📅 June 25, 2025
🕕 6–7 PM
📍 Papa’s Pizzeria, Bassett, VA

Come share your ideas, enjoy free pizza and beverages courtesy of Stantec, and help shape the future of your community.

Let’s build something great—together! 💬

06/12/2025

Bassett Community Center Board of Trustees Announces New Leadership and Outlines Strategic Goals

BASSETT, VA – June 12, 2025 – The Bassett Community Center Board of Trustees is pleased to announce a transition in leadership, naming Rebekah Morgan as President of the Board. Morgan succeeds Linda Crabtree, who served as President since 2021 and provided steady leadership through a critical period of organizational recovery and visioning.

Morgan, who joined the Board in January 2025, brings over a decade of experience in parks and recreation management, supported by a graduate degree in nonprofit administration. In her professional capacity as Director of Community Development at the West Piedmont Planning District Commission (WPPDC), Morgan had worked in partnership with the center’s leadership and local officials on early redevelopment efforts before joining the Board.

The collaboration began in 2024, when Vice President Ronnie Dillard approached WPPDC seeking help identifying grant funding to support the center’s revitalization. Through this partnership, Morgan worked closely with Dillard, the Bassett Community Center Board, and Henry County to explore opportunities and assist with applications. After witnessing her dedication and expertise firsthand, Dillard nominated Morgan to join the Board, where she now serves in a volunteer capacity separate from her role at WPPDC.

One of the Board’s early successes in this partnership was securing $50,000 from the Virginia Brownfields Assistance Fund, awarded to WPPDC in January 2025. This funding created the opportunity for the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (VDEQ) to allocate an additional $35,000 in technical assistance funds for a market and feasibility study. The study will help evaluate the potential for revitalizing the center’s building and pool, and guide future investment and programming decisions.

“I’m honored to take on this leadership role at such a meaningful time,” said Morgan. “As a board, we are focused on strategic planning, strong governance, and building trust with the community. These initial grants are just the first step. We are committed to pursuing additional resources and ensuring our plans align with what the Bassett community truly wants and needs.”

The Board also expresses its deep appreciation to outgoing President Linda Crabtree, whose tenure was marked by tireless commitment and stability during the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Vice President Ronnie Dillard continues to lead community outreach and partner engagement. “We’re proud of the collaboration that’s taking shape—with local government, regional planners, and our neighbors,” said Dillard. “Our shared goal is to reopen a center that serves everyone and uplifts the entire community.”

Board Goals for 2025 and Beyond:
1. Reopen the Bassett Community Center with modernized, accessible, and community-driven facilities.
2. Complete and apply findings from the market and feasibility study, guiding program and facility planning.
3. Strengthen board leadership and governance, including recruitment, training, and diversity of skills.
4. Secure long-term funding through grants, partnerships, and community investment.
5. Engage the community through transparent communication, feedback channels, and inclusive outreach.
6. Reestablish the center as a regional hub, offering recreation, education, health, and economic opportunity.

As the feasibility study progresses, the Board remains focused on turning vision into action and building a community hub that honors Bassett’s heritage while embracing its future. Additional funding is still needed to support critical planning and redevelopment efforts, and the Board continues to actively pursue these opportunities with transparency and diligence.
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About the Bassett Community Center
The Bassett Community Center is a nonprofit organization dedicated to serving the residents of Bassett and surrounding communities. Our mission is to provide affordable recreational facilities for all people—combating conditions which place children and youth at risk by offering programs in recreation, education, health, and fitness. These programs are designed to inspire higher moral standards of conduct, helping participants develop strong bodies, keen minds, and a spirit of appropriate social behavior.
To learn more about the center’s redevelopment plans or to get involved, please contact [email protected].

06/12/2025

Were you unable to make it to our public input meeting to discuss our plan to apply for a Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Planning Grant? We recorded the meeting and have attached a copy of the slides so you can recap!

06/12/2025

Thank you Martinsville Bulletin for attending our meeting!

A small group of committed citizens gathered on Monday to discuss plans to reopen the Bassett Community Center.