After more than a year of planning and construction, Ninilchik has a new community center.
Ivan Encelewski is the Executive Director of Ninilchik Traditional Council. He says the new building fills a vital need in the community.
“One of the things that we’ve really struggled with is having a place where we can have community events,” said Encelewski.
Rather than building a new structure, the tribe renovated the old emergency services center next to Ninilchik Traditional Council’s Community Clinic.
Encelewski says the building needed substantial renovation.
“It was where you had your fire trucks and things like that. The floor, for example, was sloped and it had a big grate in the middle,” said Encelewski.
The community center has a large open reception area and a full commercial kitchen. Upstairs, there is a teen lounge with a pool table, ping pong and televisions.
The building is 95 percent complete, says Encelewski. Only a few minor details, like paint touch-ups and installing an ice machine, remain.
He says he’s proud to offer the community a place to gather.
“It really just fulfills the mission of what we’ve been trying to do for a long time to have a place that everybody can utilize,” said Encelewski.
The Council has already rented out the space this fall for a play and Ninilchik School’s homecoming dance. This weekend, it will host the Ninilchik Native Association’s Annual Christmas party.