The grand opening of the Indian Valley Fitness Center and Makerspace, located at Plumas Charter School’s Indian Valley Academy, marked not only a milestone for the community—but also a proud moment for IVA students who played an active role in welcoming guests and demonstrating the potential of these new shared spaces.
The partnership between the Indian Valley Recreation and Parks District (IVRPD), Plumas Unified School District, who owns the building and Plumas Charter School, who rents the facilities, represents a growing collaboration designed to make the most of local resources while expanding opportunities for students and community members alike. Through this partnership, IVRPD will use classroom and gym space at IVA to operate the new Indian Valley Fitness Center, a Makerspace and a variety of community education programs for both youth and adults.
During the ribbon-cutting celebration, IVA students showcased the kind of hands-on learning the school is known for. Sophomore Jura Lunder demonstrated one of the Makerspace’s new laser machines, creating personalized business cards for guests. His classmate, Jewell Van Acker greeted guests and displayed her crochet projects, highlighting the creative possibilities the space will soon offer through community workshops and student innovation.
In the weeks leading up to the event, students played a major role in preparing the new facilities—carrying and assembling the gym’s fitness equipment, much of which was far from light. Their effort and teamwork reflected a shared sense of pride in helping bring new opportunities to their school and community.
Meanwhile, the IVA culinary class served up a complimentary lunch of homemade Zuppa Toscana soup—a crowd favorite that warmed the room and underscored the partnership’s potential for shared learning.
The new Makerspace features multiple sewing machines, a CNC machine, an engraver, an embroidery machine, two 3D printers and a leather press—opening the door to limitless creative projects. Once fully operational, the space will allow community members to earn certifications on specific machines and use them for their own projects during open hours.
The Indian Valley Fitness Center officially opened November 1 and is free to all PCS students. The Fitness Center offers keypad-access memberships for local residents and visitors before and after school hours. To celebrate, the month of November is free for Indian Valley residents with a $20 key deposit. Memberships include flexible options for monthly, six-month and annual access.
IVRPD Executive Director Melissa Lopez said the collaboration reflects a shared vision for community revitalization.
“By partnering with Indian Valley Academy, we’re maximizing our resources and giving both students and community members spaces to create, learn and grow. It’s a great example of what’s possible when organizations in Indian Valley work together.”
The partnership between PCS and IVRPD follows years of rebuilding and reimagining public spaces in Greenville after the Dixie Fire. It stands as a testament to the community’s resilience and commitment to working together toward a vibrant future.
For more information about the Indian Valley Fitness Center and Makerspace, or to learn about upcoming classes, visit ivrpd.org or email [email protected].
By Rachel Goings, Public Relations Specialist
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