Greenville—On November 1, members of the Indian Valley Recreation and Parks District (IVRPD) celebrated the grand opening of a new state-of-the-art fitness center and adjacent makerspace at Indian Valley Academy (IVA). The ribbon-cutting event marked a significant milestone in the ongoing recovery of Greenville and Indian Valley from the 2021 Dixie Fire.
Kaley Bentz, IVRPD treasurer and former personal trainer, emphasized the vital role of physical activity in emotional well-being and community rebuilding. “We’re trying to rebuild a community,” Bentz said. “Fitness is part of our recovery.”
The fitness center features modern exercise equipment, including exercise bikes, providing residents with a space to improve their physical health. The adjacent makerspace offers creative and technological opportunities such as sewing, crocheting, and the use of 3D printers, helping students build confidence and technical skills that will serve them well beyond school, according to IVRPD’s Sue Weber.
Both facilities are housed at Indian Valley Academy and will be available for community use when not in conflict with school activities. The IVRPD funded these projects using capital from its insurance settlement, reflecting a commitment to invest in community-focused initiatives.
The project’s success owes much to partnerships with Plumas Unified School District, Plumas Charter School, Indian Valley Rotary, Dixie Fire Collaborative, North Valley Community Foundation, and numerous dedicated individuals.
In addition to the new facilities, the IVA library has undergone a transformation led by volunteers, including Tracy Kepple and Suzanne Stirling, with books reorganized by genre and new furniture on the way to enhance student access and comfort.
Following the ribbon-cutting, approximately 75 attendees enjoyed homemade soups and freshly baked bread prepared by IVA’s culinary students.
For more information about using the new fitness center and makerspace, visit IVRPD.org or contact Executive Director Melissa Lopez at 619-962-3775.
