UMaine Machias unveils newly renovated Reynolds Gymnasium

An interior view of a gym with a big wooden floor and bleachers.

Photo / Courtesy UMaine Machias The renovations included a new, National Collegiate Athletic Association-compliant hardwood floor, bleachers and sound system, upgraded scoreboards and other enhancements.

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By Laurie Schreiber

The University of Maine at Machias recently cut the ribbon on an extensive renovation of the Reynolds Gymnasium.

The renovations began in the fall of 2024 and included a new, National Collegiate Athletic Association-compliant hardwood floor, bleachers and sound system, upgraded scoreboards and other enhancements to support student and community events, according to a news release. The replaced flooring and bleachers dated back 55 years.

The gym and adjacent Murdock Fitness and Aquatics Center are used by groups and individuals of all ages, as well as the university’s students.

Machias Memorial High School, Washington Academy and Machias Valley Christian School often use the gym, which also serves as a venue for Special Olympics practices, local Amateur Athletic Union basketball events, craft fairs, benefit tournaments and career resource fairs.

“This project represents more than just a new floor and bleachers — it represents a revitalized space for our students, faculty, staff and the wider Downeast community,” said Megan Walsh, UMaine Machias’ dean and campus director.

The renovation makes the gym more accessible and versatile for the future, she added.

The project cost was $729,000, financed through a general obligation bond approved by Maine’s legislature and voters in 2018 that was dedicated to funding infrastructure improvements across the University of Maine System.

In addition, UMaine Machias professors emeriti Richard and Elsie Larson donated to the Reynolds Center Improvement Fund, which is dedicated to helping cover the cost of maintenance and capital improvements for the building.

“Machias Memorial High School students have been eagerly waiting for the UMM gym to reopen,” shared Nicole Case, a UMaine Machias alumna, principal of Machias Memorial High School and the incoming superintendent of schools for AOS 96. “For youth in our community, the Reynolds Center plays a central role in their lives, providing an opportunity for physical and social well-being.”

A conference room in the Reynolds Center was named in honor of the Larsons, who were present for the ribbon-cutting.

The Reynolds Center is named after Frederic A. Reynolds, who served as president of UMaine Machias from 1981 to 1992. Originally named the Health and Physical Education Building, it was renamed in his honor following his retirement.

The building is also home to the UMaine Machias Bachelor of Arts program in outdoor recreation and leadership, which will continue to utilize the renovated gym for student classes and activities.