08/06/2026
In the spring of 1994, Otway Elementary School closed its doors for the final time. Although the school was no longer in operation, the Village of Otway allowed the building to remain in community use for the next 28 years. During that time, it served many purposes, including community storage, church services, God's Gym, parties, youth events, and other local gatherings. Following the March 1997 flood, many residents of the Otway village relied on the former elementary school as a shelter. All of these uses of the structure were positive and beneficial to the community.
In June 2022, a community member shared a social media post announcing that the Village had received a grant to demolish the long-closed school building. The announcement sparked an overwhelming response from the community, with dozens of residents expressing concern and opposition. While most understood that the school itself had been closed for decades, they did not want to lose the gymnasium. For generations, the gym had served as the heart of the building—a place where families gathered for youth activities, celebrations, and community events. Many believed that losing the gym would mean losing an important part of what made Otway such a close-knit community.
In late July 2022, approximately 50 community members gathered inside the gymnasium to discuss alternatives to demolition. Those in attendance came with a variety of ideas. Some hoped to bid on the demolition project, while another couple expressed interest in purchasing and renovating the building into apartments. However, the prevailing vision that evening was to save and restore the gymnasium. Those present shared ideas about transforming it into a vibrant community gathering place for concerts, youth programs, festivals, and other positive events that would bring together the residents of the Village of Otway and Brush Creek Township. The meeting was filled with optimism, hope, and a shared commitment to preserving an important piece of the community's history.
From that meeting, the decision was made to establish a nonprofit organization. Attendance at subsequent meetings gradually declined—from around 50 people initially to about 10, and eventually to a small core group of approximately six dedicated volunteers. Even before the organization was officially established, community members generously donated funds. Because the nonprofit had not yet received approval to open a bank account, those donations were entrusted to the Village and used for immediate needs at the gymnasium.
About a year later, the group learned that its original nonprofit paperwork had been filed incorrectly and that Redbird Restoration Group had not been properly established as a 501(c)(3) organization. Following guidance from the Internal Revenue Service, the organization was dissolved and re-established under the correct legal structure as Redbird Community Connection.
With the new organization in place, the group's mission became clear: to preserve and improve the gymnasium. After the first fundraiser in December 2022, the group quickly realized that the original cost estimates for restoring the entire school had increased dramatically. With only a small core of dedicated volunteers, preserving the entire building was no longer a realistic goal. Instead, the group chose to focus its time, energy, and resources on saving the gymnasium—the part of the building that had always served as the heart of the community and remained the most practical and sustainable project.
Redbird Community Connection entered into a 25-year lease with the Village of Otway for the gymnasium only, providing the organization with the opportunity to restore, maintain, and operate this important community space.
Since then, Redbird Community Connection has hosted numerous successful fundraisers, made possible by the generous support of thousands of donors, volunteers, and event attendees. Major improvements have included extensive electrical upgrades, new exterior lighting, freeze-proof water lines, fresh interior paint, restroom renovations with new toilets and sinks, and countless ongoing maintenance and repair projects. Fundraising proceeds also cover the gym's recurring operational expenses, including electricity, propane, water, sewer, insurance, and other essential costs.
Over the past several years, a small but dedicated group of volunteers—often assisted by their immediate family members—has devoted countless hours to preserving this cherished community landmark. Together, they have accomplished many of the goals first envisioned during that meeting in July 2022. While significant work and funding are still needed to fully restore the gymnasium, Redbird Community Connection remains committed to its mission. Though the volunteers are understandably tired after years of hard work, they continue to believe that the completed restoration of the Otway Gymnasium will provide future generations with a place to gather, celebrate, and strengthen the bonds that have long defined the Otway community.
Today, Redbird Community Connection continues to move forward. While much work remains, three of the original board members, Rhonda Ross, Doris Chamberlin, and Carmella Dixon, are very proud of everything that has been accomplished through the generosity of donors, supporters, and countless volunteers who have contributed along the way. We remain committed to preserving the Otway Gymnasium and look forward to building on the progress made so far. With continued community support, we are hopeful that the gym will remain a place where future generations can gather, celebrate, and strengthen the sense of community that has always made Otway special.
If you have any questions, feel free to message this page or any of the above-listed members.
Again, thank you for supporting us!
