Recent History of the Ruth Obenchain Recreation Center

The Ruth Obenchain Recreation Center sits in the middle of Bly, Oregon. For many years it was known simply as the Gearhart Gym, a place where people played ball, gathered for events, and spent time together. Its history is tied closely to the town, and the effort to bring it back shows what a small community can do when people care enough to try.

A Gym's Silent Years

For almost five years the building sat locked and unused. The gym had once been part of the Klamath County School District, originally deeded to the district by the Edsall family more than 85 years ago. Declining enrollment and the cost of upkeep eventually led to its closure in 2012. The original deed included a clause saying that if the property went unused for two years, it would return to the Edsall family. The family did not want it back, but the clause created a legal situation that made transferring the property difficult.

During this time the building continued to decline. The roof leaked, plumbing failed, and windows broke. Many people assumed the gym was finished and that nothing more would come of it.

The Legislation That Changed Everything

In 2015 Senate Bill 953 was signed into law, giving the school district a way to clear the title and transfer the building. This opened the first real opportunity in years for the gym to be used again. The Bly Community Action Team, a local nonprofit that supports community projects, recognized that the building could possibly be saved if people were willing to work together.

A Teenager's Determination

Around this time, 15-year-old Quentin Nichols posted online about the gym's condition. The post was simple, but it brought attention back to a building many people had almost forgotten about. It encouraged a conversation in town about whether the gym was worth trying to save.

A community meeting followed, giving residents a chance to talk through ideas and concerns. This effort caught the attention of Leda Hunter, a member of BLY CAT, who saw potential in bringing the gym back into use. Working with Quentin and other members of the group, including Donna Kness and Chrissy Holgate, the team began putting together information and looking at what would be needed to restore the building.

Leda's experience with grants and project coordination helped the group create a clear plan to present to the Klamath County School Board. On July 21, 2016, Leda and Quentin presented the proposal. The board voted unanimously to transfer the gym to BLY CAT, giving the community the chance to start bringing it back.

Leading a Community Revival

At 15 years old, Quentin helped spark the push to bring the gym back. The restoration became a community effort, with many people stepping in and contributing in different ways.

Restoration and Community Work

As restoration began, progress came together through steady effort. A new roof was installed to stop further water damage. Plumbing was repaired and updated with help from local businesses that donated fixtures and labor. A modern heating system was added, making the building usable year round. Energy efficient lighting was installed to brighten the interior and bring the gym back into regular use.

Members of the Bly Community Action Team supported the coordination that kept the project moving. Volunteers cleaned, repaired, painted, and restored the building piece by piece. Donations of time, materials, and funds made each improvement possible. Quentin's involvement fit into this wider effort and was shaped by the commitment of everyone who contributed.

A Legacy for Future Generations

Today the Ruth Obenchain Recreation Center serves many roles for the town of Bly. It offers membership access to the weight room and gym, provides space for community events such as celebrations, weddings, funerals, and reunions, and can serve as an emergency shelter when needed. Its revival stands as a clear example of what steady work and shared commitment can accomplish in a small community.

Join the Journey

The Ruth Obenchain Recreation Center continues to grow with the help of donors, volunteers, and members. Whether you are here to use the facilities, attend an event, or learn about the building's history, you are part of its ongoing story. Continued support helps ensure the recreation center remains a valuable resource for Bly for years to come.