Media Release

City of Stillwater received a generous donation of $86,000 from the Faye Allene Rife Brown Foundation to replace the gymnasium floor in the Stillwater Armory Recreation Center, one of the City’s remaining historic WPA projects. The multiuse center has been utilized for many years by children and adults for various activities and events.

“The generous donation from the Brown Foundation allows us to continue preserving the Armory and utilizing it as a multipurpose recreation center that benefits our entire community,” said Barbara Bliss, Community Resources Manager for the City of Stillwater Parks and Recreation department. “We have already received numerous compliments on the comfort and safety aspects of the new gym floor and the beauty it brings to the facility.”

The Brown Foundation was established to provide charitable contributions to worthy projects that may not otherwise be funded in order to continue building a healthier and safer community.

“The board collectively agreed to support this project due to the sheer number of community members who benefit from this center. The Armory building and SASA provides a cross-generational and equitable safe place for recreation and encourages relationship building within our community,” said Kristine Waits, Brown Foundation Board member.

The Stillwater Area Sports Association (SASA), is a non-profit organization devoted to providing league sports to patrons of Stillwater and surrounding communities. Some of the current activities include after-school programs, pickle ball leagues, adult volleyball and youth basketball.

Carolyn Walstad, SASA Board member, included, “We appreciate the confidence the Brown Foundation has shown in purchasing a new technologically advanced multipurpose floor for the City of Stillwater and SASA. We are pleased the public is able to take advantage of this generous gift for a variety of leisure activities.”