Keep Redfield Middle School

The small community of Redfield, Arkansas is struggling to maintain and continue use of the 1958 gymnasium and a 1939 Works Progress Administration (WPA) school. The school is used as a Community Center and the gymnasium is the only athletic facility for children in this rural area 24  miles south of Little Rock. It is used by scores of children for basketball and other programs.  The gymnasium, 10,391 square feet, and the school, 14,984 square feet, are both leaking.
 
This property located in Redfield was purchased  in 2014 for $70,112 when the Redfield Middle School closed. We have struggled to keep the doors open and lights on. The insurance, utilities, and maintenance are paid by volunteer fundraising and rents.

A  community grassroots effort to purchase the school and gym resulted in a 501 (c) (3), Keep Redfield Middle School (KRMS).   We were devastated when it closed and concerned about the future of our athletic  program and the preservation of the historic WPA school, possibly the best example, and only New Deal school still in use in the State. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places as the Redfield Historic District: 1939 WPA School, 1958 Gymnasium, 1910 Well House, 1910 Carriage House, Baseball diamond with original plates.

We need to refinish the floors in the boys and girls bathrooms and replace with new fixtures. Also, need some electrical repairs and a number of windows have broken latches with some panes having  been replaced with cardboard. Ugly is an understatement!

It is the desire of the KRMS board to approach the work on both structures with  guidance from  the Arkansas Historic Preservation Program in Little Rock.  This is an overwhelming task for the board and community. Redfield, a railroad town, was incorporated in 1889 and  these buildings are vital to the community for present and future generations.  Thank you for your interest and your generous donations will be used wisely.

KRMS Board Member,
Linda Banks


https://livingnewdeal.org