SOURCE: Gaithersburg City of Maryland

Posted: June 03, 2016 Casey Community Center The newly renovated Casey Community Center, located at 810 South Frederick Avenue, celebrates 40 years with a ribbon cutting ceremony and open house on Monday, June 20, 2016 at 6 p.m. The event kicks off a year-long celebration and features facility tours and refreshments. “Now serving as a community center, the Casey Barn has long been a landmark along Rt. 355 in Gaithersburg,” said Mayor Jud Ashman. “From dairy barn to political signboard to community center, this iconic site hosts social gatherings and recreation programs that are enjoyed by thousands of residents. The new upgrades take the Center into the future, ensuring that it remains a great resource for the community.” Renovations include modernization of a catering kitchen, conversion of an existing apartment unit into a conference room and storage space, installation of dance-ready flooring, improvement of sound insulation, and HVAC upgrades. The renovations totaled $461,795. The Maryland General Assembly approved a bond bill providing $130,000 in matching funds to the City for the renovations in 2014. The appropriation included $80,000 from the House of Delegates and $50,000 from the Senate in FY15. Built in 1938 by Eugene B. Casey, the facility initially functioned as a dairy farm. In 1949 it was rented to the National Institutes of Health for animal trials of the Salk Polio vaccine. It was known as “NIH Farm” from 1949 to 1960. The property was donated to the City of Gaithersburg in 1971, and it opened as Casey Community Center in 1977. It was last renovated in 2002 with a roof replacement, HVAC upgrades, and modifications for ADA compliance. Today Casey Community Center is home to the City’s Tot Time Preschool program, and hosts nearly 215 different recreation classes for all ages throughout the year. Rental space is also available for meetings, weddings, birthday parties and other social activities. For information visit the Casey Community Center web page or contact the Casey Community Center.

http://www.gaithersburgmd.gov/news/press-releases/2016/06/20160603-casey-community-center-celebrates-40th-anniversary-and-ribbon-cutting]]>