High Desert Fencing Club needs a new home – fast

(Update: comments from club leaders)

The High Desert Fencing Club soon will be without a home and is desperately searching for an affordable space to lease.

The club has been in its current space for nine years and is a 501c3 non profit organization operated entirely by volunteers.

After heavy snow damage in winter 2017, parts of the building have been deemed unsafe and major renovations are beginning now.

Initially, the plan was to use the existing space during the renovation, because the snow damage occurred in only part of the building.

However, plans have unexpectedly changed, and now the club must be totally out of the building by May 31.

High Desert Fencing Club has been in operation for 25 years.

Fencing, known as “physical chess,” combines intellectual and physical abilities, and provides a unique opportunity to Central Oregon youth.

Of the small pool of young-adult fencers, about one-third have gone on to represent colleges such as the Air Force Academy, Duke and Stanford on their NCAA Division 1 fencing teams.

Club President Randall Barna said Tuesday it is important they are able to continue to provide a place for Central Oregon fencers to train.

“So we need to keep a place for these high-level fencers to keep fencing, and all the beginners and the families to keep going,” Barna said. “So it’s important for us.”

The search for a new building is underway.

The contingency of fencers who have qualified to fence at National Championships this July and would like to find a new home that will allow for uninterrupted training in preparation for this important event.

Jeff Ellington, vice president of the club, said he hopes there is a future for the club.

“I hope we somehow find a way through, because a lot of great kids have come through the club through the years, and are going off to seemingly do good things,” Ellington said. “And we hope we can continue to offer it for them.”

The criteria for the new space is: Approximately 3,000 square feet, ideally a 60-by-50-foot space, including a bathroom, heat and air conditioning and zoning that allows a sports/fitness facility. They are looking for a place they can afford to lease, at about $2,000 a month.

Once a new space is located, the club may also need clothing racks, paint, cabinetry and 1,500-2,000 square feet of flooring, either commercial carpet, rubber or heavy vinyl. Any donation of time or money is also greatly appreciated.

For more information on the High Desert Fencing Club, click here.