Staff Report
SILVER LAKE — The town of Silver Lake has been awarded a $500,000 grant from the Community Amenities Program (CAP) to help bring its long-envisioned community center to life.
The $2.85 million project has now secured critical funding, including $750,000 from a recently announced Office of Community and Rural Affairs (OCRA) Community Development Block Grant (CDBG), reflecting both state and local confidence in the town’s vision.
Launched as part of the Orthopedic Industry Retention Initiative (OIRI), the Community Amenities Program invests in projects that strengthen quality of life across Kosciusko County, according to a provided news release. By creating spaces where residents can gather, connect and thrive, CAP leverages state funding to amplify local ideas and community support.
The Silver Lake Community Center Project will provide a long-awaited hub for residents and businesses, featuring a gymnasium, multipurpose room, kitchenette, computer lab, exercise room and office space. Designed to serve citizens both inside and outside the town limits, the center will host programs and services that foster relationships, encourage community involvement and support the physical and mental well-being of individuals across all ages and economic backgrounds.
For Silver Lake, this will be the first facility of its kind, bringing together resources, services, and events under one roof.
“The town of Silver Lake and committee members are deeply grateful to receive this grant,” said Tonya Conley, clerk-treasurer for the town of Silver Lake. “The funding will allow us to serve our citizens better and will create a lasting positive change for our community. The grant is more than funding, it is an opportunity to bring resources, services, and events to those who use it, enriching lives. Small communities are unable to do this alone without help from grantors who give us the opportunities to benefit our citizens and grow our community. OrthoWorx, through the OIRI funds, is helping us to provide more here in Silver Lake.”
The project has received an outpouring of support from local residents, businesses and Kosciusko County leaders who see the community center as a transformative addition for Silver Lake, the release states.
“We’re excited to support the town of Silver Lake as they bring their vision of a community center to life,” said Ryan Christner, CEO of OrthoWorx. “Their thoughtful planning and bold ambition make this a perfect launch project for the Community Amenities Program in Kosciusko County. This initiative is all about turning big dreams into real places where people can connect, grow, and build lives within our community. Silver Lake’s new gathering space checks every box, and we couldn’t be happier for the community. When we invest in each other, great things happen, and this is just the beginning.”
With nearly half of the project’s funding now secured, the town is moving closer to construction. The Silver Lake community center will serve as a central gathering place for local events, services and resources, providing lasting impact for generations to come.
The CAP is a countywide initiative designed to enhance quality of life across Kosciusko County by investing in shared spaces and projects that strengthen community connection. Backed by a portion of the OIRI’s $30 million commitment from the state of Indiana, CAP helps bring bold community visions to life by combining local, state and philanthropic resources.
The program is guided by the CAP Committee, a group of community leaders who evaluate proposals and award grants based on their potential to make lasting, countywide impact. Administration of these grants is provided in partnership with the K21 Health Foundation, ensuring that each investment is managed with transparency, accountability and a focus on long-term community benefit.
