Board members are looking for much larger quarters to serve area youths.

PHILLIPS – Supporters of the ZONE, the youth activities center for Phillips, Avon and Madrid, met recently and rallied support for seeking out a larger space.

“It was always the original intent for the ZONE to get to a larger space,” said Jill Berry-Bowen one of the ZONE’s organizers. “Our first goal was to respond quickly to the voices of our youth by setting up a space to hang out as quickly as possible. Our second goal was to develop a community center for all ages.”

A couple of years back several ZONE youths and adults approached the Phillips American Legion to inquire about using the old gymnasium. The gym is at the center of Phillips. “Most people who grew up in this area have a lot of fond memories of using the gym while going to school or participating in a community dance or talent show,” said Gillian Trapp, current co-chairman of the ZONE.

Larry Pinkham of the Phillips Planning Board provided a report of the zoning ordinances as it relates to the location of the old gym. As far as he could see, “everything is in place,” which would allow the ZONE to consider this location once again.

To set the ball in motion Trapp and Dick Beal, co-chairmen of the ZONE, approached the town manager and selectman of Phillips to discuss the idea of creating a community center within Phillips. “We have the town leaders’ full support to approach the legion,” Beal said. With this news a ball of energy filled the undercroft of the Phillips Methodist Church, current location of the ZONE, as wheels turned in hopes of once again securing a larger space.

Although supporters say the best location for this community center is the old gym since it is a perfect prospect for historical site grants, the group agreed that all options need to be exhausted.

“We hope to be able to work cooperatively with the area towns and legion to secure the best option. Phillips has so many good things happening right now. A community center is something that will rally the whole area,” remarked Trapp.

A community-planning meeting will soon be scheduled to review options to fulfill this longstanding mission.