River Island Gym (RIG) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization developing a year-round recreation and community center in the historic former Marshall School gymnasium on Blannahassett Island. Combining fitness, play, and social opportunities under one roof, RIG will be a welcoming space for people of all ages and abilities in Madison County and beyond.

RIG plans to offer an indoor skatepark, climbing walls, adventure playground, swimming pool, sauna, fitness center, basketball court, arcade, and spaces for community gatherings and events. RIG also plans to provide space for local instructors and wellness professionals to offer classes, workshops, and other programs for the community.

RIG is a locally led nonprofit guided by a volunteer Board of Directors made up of Madison County residents. The project has been shaped by community surveys, local businesses, and collaboration with local governments, schools, and community organizations. RIG has also worked to secure historic recognition for the former Marshall School gymnasium, helping preserve an important piece of Marshall's history. Community input continues to guide our plans and support our fundraising efforts.

RIG is about more than renovating a building. It's about investing in downtown Marshall, preserving our history, and keeping our community connected. Locating RIG on Blannahassett Island will bring residents and visitors within walking distance of downtown businesses, supporting the local economy and helping preserve Marshall's walkable, small-town character.

Rather than letting a historic community landmark sit unused, we're giving it a new purpose. Renovating the existing building also allows us to make use of what's already there at a significantly lower cost than constructing a comparable facility elsewhere.

We also recognize the challenges of building on Blannahassett Island, particularly the risk of flooding. Flood resilience is a central part of our renovation plans, with specific measures designed to reduce damage and support recovery.

We recognize that Blannahassett Island will flood again, and flood resilience is a central part of RIG's design. Our goal is to minimize damage, protect people and equipment, and reopen as quickly as possible following future flooding.

The historic gym has already demonstrated its resilience. During Hurricane Helene, the building experienced significant flooding but sustained no structural damage, as confirmed by engineering assessments. Its reinforced concrete construction and steel pilings extending to bedrock provide a strong foundation for the renovation.

Our flood mitigation plan includes:

• Building protection: Foundation waterproofing, sealed openings, custom-engineered floodgates at all doors, and protective window shields designed to reduce damage from floodwater and debris.
• Flood-resistant interiors: Durable, water-resistant first-floor materials that can be cleaned or replaced after flooding, with high-value equipment and investments located on the second floor.
• Protected utilities: Mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems elevated above the base flood elevation, along with sump pumps and emergency power connections.
• Improved drainage: Site grading, drainage systems, erosion control, and flood-tolerant landscaping to better manage stormwater.
• Recovery planning: Building materials and systems selected to simplify cleanup, reduce repair costs, and support a faster reopening.
• Financial protection: RIG's operating budget includes flood insurance coverage to help protect the facility and its assets.

Beyond the building itself, RIG is working with community partners on broader flood resilience efforts for Blannahassett Island, including site planning with Appalachian Design Center.

We cannot eliminate the risk of flooding, but we're taking a proactive approach to reducing damage and preparing for recovery so RIG can remain a long-term community resource.

Affordability is a core part of RIG's mission. Our goal is to make recreation, fitness, and wellness opportunities financially accessible to everyone in our community, regardless of income.

We're developing a tiered membership structure with rates designed to be lower than comparable facilities in the region. We also plan to offer subsidized memberships based on household income, helping ensure that cost isn't a barrier to participation.

Final membership rates and financial assistance details will be announced closer to opening.

RIG plans to offer both memberships and options for nonmembers to enjoy the facility. While memberships will provide regular access to RIG's amenities, we also want residents and visitors to be able to participate without committing to a monthly membership.

We're exploring day passes, drop-in opportunities, and access to community events and programs. Specific options and pricing will be announced closer to opening.

River Island Gym is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit raising funds through private donations, grants, and fundraising efforts.

We're currently conducting a capital campaign to raise the funds needed to renovate and open the facility. This includes pursuing grants from private foundations and public funding programs, as well as support from local donors and businesses. Some of the public grants we're pursuing are funded by taxpayer dollars. We plan to expand our community fundraising efforts as we approach our capital campaign goal.

Once RIG opens, membership fees will be a primary source of operating revenue, supplemented by donations, programs, events, and other revenue-generating activities. Our financial plan is designed to support long-term operations while keeping the facility accessible and affordable for the community.

RIG is shovel-ready, with designs, construction plans, and permits in place. We're now focused on securing the capital funding needed to begin construction.

While we don't have a confirmed opening date yet, we're eager to get construction underway as soon as funding allows. We'll share updates and an anticipated opening timeline as the project moves forward.

There are many ways to support RIG! You can make a donation through our website, follow our Facebook page for project updates, sign up for email updates on our website, and help spread the word throughout the community.

Interested in volunteering, partnering with us, or getting more involved? We'd love to hear from you! Email us at info@riverislandgym.org.