The Oakland Mayor and Town Council are excited to announce the kickoff of a capital campaign to renovate and expand the Oakland Community Center, formerly known as the Oakland Armory (officially the BG Otho Holland Williams Maryland National Guard Armory).

 The mission of the project is to improve and increase the availability of indoor recreational and multiuse facilities for area residents of all ages.

 Built in 1954, the armory served to house the Maryland National Guard 121st Engineers Battalion, Company C until it was decommissioned in 2005. The building was added to the Maryland Historical Trust registry in 2004.

 Presently, the community center houses a Garrett College outreach center, additional offices, and public use facilities. Public facilities available for use through the Town of Oakland include one basketball court and a conference room.

 The project, designed by Noelker and Hull Associates, will renovate the existing kitchen and conference room and construct three multi-sport courts and additional restrooms.

 Oakland Mayor Andrew Sauder commented, “We recognize the need for this type of facility in our community to offer the activities our area residents, especially our youth, desire”.

 The estimated cost of the project is $6.5 million. With funding commitments from the Garrett County Commissioners and the Congressional Community Funding Project totaling $3.5 million, Oakland is initiating a capital campaign to raise the balance of the cost.

 Sponsor benefits are being offered for specific donation levels and all contributions are tax deductible.

 For further information, please contact Oakland City Hall at 301-334-2691 or Councilman Fred Gregg at 301-616-8470.