From the street there is little sign of the major renovations taking place at the Citrus Heights Veteran’s Community Center at the old Sylvan Schoolhouse at 6921 Sylvan Road. Yet work has been slow but steady since May of 2014 when a tournament ready horseshoe pit and a sturdy wooden walkway under the trees was installed by volunteers from Hewlett Packard.

Now, thanks to the hard work and other support of multiple individuals, businesses and even corporations, the most important phase in getting the center fully up and running is near completion with the construction of two American with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliant bathrooms and related work.

The center will then have full inside and outside access to these facilities along with 360-degree wheelchair and scooter access to the entire perimeter of the building and its new outside activity area. This area includes a new concrete viewing deck and permanent BBQ set up and additional patio tables along the wooden walkway. The property is shaded by a canopy of trees just pruned back to safely provide shade during all seasons.

New water and improved drainage systems are being completed, handicapped ramps with guard rails installed, new lighting and other safety and aesthetic features added to make the center as inviting to the veterans, volunteers and guests as possible.  It will be an inviting and comfortable setting for veterans and their guests to enjoy a myriad of day and evening outdoor activities and events.

This property was purchased by Jim and Jean Rounsavell to create the center for veterans to enjoy. Since then there have been thousands of hours donated by over 100 volunteers, both inside the center, including work on indoor and outdoor renovations and construction. Many volunteers have spent their own money for necessary projects.  A grand re-opening is planned for in the fall.

According to Jim Rounsavell, the main mission and purpose for all this work is to “make a location for local veterans to congregate, have a free cup of coffee, reminisce about the past and , last and not least, find aid in getting support from the federal government in procuring claims, aid in their search for additional benefits and to direct our veterans to various agencies that also are on board for bringing aid to our heroes, all the guys and gals that have served our country in the armed forces”. 

The names of all the center volunteers past and present are too numerous to list but special thank yous for the recent work being completed include Patty Henley of Livingston Concrete, Armstrong Plumbing, Brandon Mattes, general contractor, HD Supply, Mike Walker Lumber, Berko Lumber, Signs in 1 Day, Buehler & Buehler Structural Engineers, Lord Roofing, and JR Evans, funding the pruning of the walnut the sycamore trees threatening the property.

A special thank you goes to the ladies from the United Methodist Church who show up every Thursday to prepare a delicious homemade lunch for the veterans, volunteers and guests.

Congressman Ami Bera continues to be a support since the center’s inception in 2013, including supporting and attending the annual Toys for Tots Christmas collection event.

More construction photos and center information at www.facebook.com/VeteransCommunityCenter. To volunteer or donate call 726-7876.