MARYSVILLE, CA (MPG) - A project many months in the making was finally revealed to the citizens of Marysville on Friday, April 11. At 11 a.m., a crowd of about 50 people gathered at 429 10th St. to witness the ribbon cutting and receive the first tour of a brand-new community recreation center.

“This is a great opportunity to bring transformation not only to the city of Marysville but also Yuba County,” said Rob Gregor, Yuba County Superintendent of Schools. “And as you can see from all the people out here it obviously means something to you, and it means something to us too, anything that we can restore and make better is our goal.”

The transformation of the “429 building” was made possible through a partnership between the Yuba County Office of Education (YCOE) and the City of Marysville. For years, the city has struggled with a waning or nonexistent Parks and Recreation Department. This new alliance seeks to revitalize and expand local programming.

Gregor explained that Yuba County Office of Education secured state grant funding, approximately $4 million, through the California Youth Behavioral Health Initiative (CYBHI) and Proposition 64, which utilizes tax revenue from legal cannabis sales. The City of Marysville, which owns the building, contributed an additional $150,000 from unused federal COVID-19 relief funds, along with staffing support.

“YCOE has been an excellent partner to allow us to deliver recreational activities for the community,” said Marysville City Manager Jim Schaad, credited as a key leader on the project. “Prior to our partnership with YCOE we had considered tearing this building down. I’m glad we have not because now it has a very, very good purpose for the community.”

The building originally served as the Yuba-Sutter Chamber of Commerce and later as an administrative site for the Marysville Gold Sox. Following years of disuse and decay, it had become a “hot spot” for the unhoused population, with multiple break-ins that left the flooring soiled.

“I always remind myself where we came from and what it was like the first time I walked the building,” Gregor said. “We were having a lot of issues and it smelled different than it does now. (Fortunately) Those of you that walk through today don’t get the smell-vision that I did on my first visit, this is a complete transformation.”

The transformation included work on the roof, floors, walls and major interior overhauls. The exterior was reimagined under the direction of Marysville City Councilmember Stuart Gilchrist, who sought to return the building to its 1970s aesthetic. Rounded walkways were removed in favor of gently sloping sidewalks, and the previously white façade was replaced with a warm brown, reminiscent of mid-century modern ranch vernacular.

“The whole purpose of taking on this project was to bring it back to its original condition,” said Gilchrist. “Please enjoy, this is the type of place the people of Marysville deserve.”

Inside, the center features modern furnishings and state-of-the-art amenities. It sits on approximately two acres of open and shaded land, including a spacious backyard patio that Gilchrist hopes to enhance further. Gregor said he looks forward to using the space for outdoor festivities like live music nights.

“Our goal is to enhance the quality of life, foster community engagement and encourage healthier lifestyles,” Gregor said. “So this is a great opportunity for us to partner with others.”

Programming will be geared toward all age groups, with a special focus on the underserved 15 to 25-year-old demographic, a group both city and Yuba County Office of Education officials have identified as vital to long-term community success.

“There’s not a lot of places left in Marysville for youth to go to,” said Gregor. “So now we will have a place that on weekends and evenings, that will be open for them.”

Current Programs at the center include a Rampage Esports Club for both middle and high schoolers. More programs and community events are expected to roll out throughout the spring and summer. Those interested in proposing a future program, event or activity at the center are encouraged to reach out to Yuba County Office of Education team members Brendon Messina, Greg Ferguson or Amanda Maupin.

For more information, visit the center between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m., Monday through Friday, or go online to yubacoe.org.