Sharing Spaces
At a Breslau Mennonite Church (BMC) Special Meeting on June 18, 2024, BMC accepted the recommended next steps as outlined by the Open Space Working Group and proceed with the various options, with childcare and play space as priority for planning, and approve in principle moving forward with the base renovation costs in the range of $250-300k in the knowledge that as plans develop and detailed costs become clearer that these will be brought to Church Council and/or the Congregation for information, discussion, and/or approval.
The Sharing Spaces Project Committee is to 1) continue research and coordinate next steps following on from the resolution (see above) approved by the congregation at the Special Meeting on June 18, 2024: 2) formulate potential plans including but not limited to scope of required renovation work, detailed budgets, rental agreements, professional consultations, etc… and bring these to Church Council and/or the congregation for information, discussion, and/or approval.
Sharing Spaces Project Committee Terms of Reference
Sharing Space Project Committee: Mark Epp (chair), Karl Braun, Patti Hobler, Pastor Eleanor
At the BMC Council meeting on October 3, 2024 a motion was affirmed to form three working groups:
1) Indoor Playground Working Group – Terms of Reference
Purpose: This group will assist and support the Sharing Spaces Project Committee to develop and implement a plan for an indoor playground, including an area for families/caregivers, that supports BMC’s vision, invites and welcomes the community, and supports children’s and other BMC ministries.
Indoor Playground Working Group: Mark Epp, Amy Good
2) Childcare Working Group – Terms of Reference
Purpose: This group will assist and support the Sharing Spaces Project Committee in developing the basis for a relationship with a childcare service provider and related implications.
Childcare Working Group: Patti Hobler, Nick Betik
3) Base Renovations Working Group – Terms of Reference
Purpose: This group will assist and support the Sharing Spaces Project Committee to determine scope, cost, and timelines for base renovations, in consultation with other working groups.
Base Renovations Working Group: Karl Braun, Scott Bruinsma, John Cressman, Daryl Good
Sharing Spaces Project Committee reports are available with BMC Council meeting minutes beginning October 3, 2024.
Sharing Spaces Project Update to BMCers – November 2024
- We have engaged Carole Boucher who is an architect experienced with working with faith communities and developing several childcare facilities. Her architectural/engineering expertise will be key for the base renovations as well as making sure childcare space meets requirements. We had a first meeting with Carole on November 19th.
- We are getting measured drawings made as per Carole’s direction for the old church space.
- We have been in conversation with a licensed for-profit operator who is currently operating out of her home in Breslau, but interested in expanding her operation. Another person has also expressed interest in a childcare space at BMC.
- We are connecting with three indoor playground vendors with a view to obtaining quotes from them. The vendors are Amusement Concepts, Atomic and Orca Coast.
Questions? Suggestions? Please let us know! Serving on Sharing Spaces Project Committee: Mark Epp (chair), Karl Braun, Patti Hobler, Pastor Eleanor.