The Arcadia Community Center provides a setting that promotes healthy lifestyles through fitness, social, and recreation opportunities for all.
Cyndy Wangbichler
Terri McArthur, President
Brad Hopwood, Vice President
Mike Matteson, Secretary
Kristen Griffen, Treasurer
Roger Brown
Leann Burger
Kelly Campbell
Zac Gilbert
Jay Larson
Brian North
In 2022 a strategic plan was developed to address the Board of Director's desire to be more proactive than reactive, reimagine what is possible, and to engage in stakeholder feedback. The Center has long been a cornerstone of our community, a place where residents come together to celebrate, recreate, learn, and grow. As the Board looked to the future, it was imperative to embrace a strategic plan that not only ensured sustainability but actively enhance the services, programs, and opportunities we provide.
Effect Size Consulting, a non-profit consulting firm experienced in strategic planning and fund development, guided the Board through the process of creating a new strategic plan. This included:
113 stakeholders participated in the survey providing insights about current and future needs, while also sharing their perception of the role of the Center in strengthening the community. The feedback positioned the board with rich information to help set a direction for the next 3 years (2023-25)
Over the next 3 years, the board completed many of the objectives outlined in this strategic plan. In 2025, the plan was updated for the next 3 years through interviews with board members, volunteers, and community members. The community loves the Center and the board feels a responsibility to provide enriching activities, suitable facilities, and long-term financial stability. Below are the resulting goals:
Strategic Goals:
Identity and Image - Goal 1 : The Arcadia Community Center will be known and respected throughout the region as a destination of choice for information, wellness, life-long learning, fun, and friendships.
Programming - Goal 2: The Arcadia Community Center will meet the needs and interests of the community through a diverse offering of all-inclusive programming and services.
Board Governance, Volunteers, and Capacity Building - Goal 3: The Arcadia Community Center will be a professional organization with a dedicated, diverse board, sufficient staff, and engaged volunteers to meet its goals.
Facility - Goal 4: The Arcadia Community Center will preserve its assets and provide facilities that meet the growing needs of the community, align our planning with our demographics, greatest needs, and highest return on our mission.
Funding - Goal 5: The Arcadia Community Center will have a multifaceted funding program to preserve its assets and sustain its mission into perpetuity.
Our strategic plan is more than just a roadmap; it is a promise to our community to strive for excellence, inclusivity, and growth. By working together, we can ensure that the Center remains a vital and cherished part of our community for generations to come. We invite you to join us on this journey, contribute to the ideas, and take part in shaping the future of our community center.
The Acadia Community Center, formerly known as Pleasant Valley Community Center, Inc. (PVCC), began its existence in 1965 as the Arcadia Elementary School. The elementary school structure consisted of 5 classrooms, a gym, kitchen and office with surrounding outdoor grounds. It was part of the Onekama Consolidated Schools until 2004 when it was vacated and then sold in August of 2006 to an Arcadia resident.
He generously deeded the property to the newly incorporated 501(c)(3) non-profit PVCC organization, and volunteer workers began to renovate and update the entire building to satisfy the State of Michigan Public Building Codes. Occupancy for use by the area residents was granted on January 27, 2010.
The organization’s stated purpose is the operation of a community center for recreational, educational and social purposes for youth and adults in the local area. A 9-member Board of Directors acts as the governing body and is assisted by over 30 volunteers who maintain the premises and act as building hosts.
Since its inception, the center has continued to grow to meet the needs to the community it serves. No just for Arcadia residents, the Arcadia Community Center welcomes all to join in the social, educational and recreational activities that support individual well-being and quality of life.
Funding to operate the organization comes from generous donors, special fundraising events and grants. There are no ties to or support from any government agency.