The volunteer board of the historic Bentley Community Hall have just completed another improvement; this time to the exterior of the building.
The old wheelchair ramp on the west side of the building has been torn off and replaced by a bigger, better, more easily accessible ramp. Many of the older shrubs and trees were removed and the area cleaned up.
It had been hard to turn a wheelchair with rider around on the platform of the existing ramp and it was fairly steep, but had served the purpose. But now the over 17 meter (56 ft) long, wider ramp running alongside the west wall, with bigger turn-around area, with an over seven meter (24 ft) extension out to the sidewalk running parallel to the front steps will be easier to use and might even accommodate the small scooters that some people use.
The cost of the new ramp, made totally of treated lumber, was around $5,500, a little more than first anticipated by the board.
Bruce Anderson of Frontier Steam was hired to do the construction and was assisted by volunteers Arnold Kubista and Phil Walton.
The ramp was completed in plenty of time for the Bentley Christmas Craft & Gift Sale booked for the hall on November 1 making for easier access by more people to the event.
Plans are to paint/stain the structure in the spring after the lumber has fully cured.
On the current hall board are president Phil Walton, vice president Colleen McNaught, secretary/treasurer Mona Kubista, casino chair Vera Boettger and director Arnold Kubista.
More board members are always appreciated, and needed, to help maintain the historic hall, and to help decide what renovation project should be next. If you have ideas and can volunteer a few hours please contact one of the executive and help preserve a big part of Bentley's history.