Members of the Lead Community Center Foundation accepted a $100,000 check for the new community center--they are standing inside the Handley Center gym.
Members of the Lead Community Center Foundation accepted a $100,000 check for the new community center. Photo by Stephen Kenny.

SURF invests in community center fundraiser to support workforce development in Lead

The SDSTA, which oversees SURF, is contributing $100,000 to the fundraising effort for a new community center in Lead.

The South Dakota Science and Technology Authority (SDSTA), owner and operator of the Sanford Underground Research Facility (SURF), is contributing $100,000 to the fundraising effort for a new community center in Lead. The contribution will help workforce development and provide much needed services to meet the growing needs of the community.

The Lead Community Center Foundation is leading the fundraising campaign to replace the aging Handley Center in Lead. The new facility may include a space for preschool and afterschool programs, dedicated senior space, an ADA compliant library, and indoor recreation facilities.

“Creating space for the truly needed services, under one roof, will be a benefit to our community giving a quality of life that will last for generations. This new facility will provide a true sense of the meaning ‘community,’” said Robin Lucero, city planner for the City of Lead and a member of the Lead Community Center Foundation.

Besides being an important part of quality of life in Lead, the new community center is also vital for the continued workforce development effort in the Northern Black Hills.

Artist renderings show some possible designs for a new community center in Lead. Photos show inside and outside of possible center in Lead. Photo courtesy Lead Community Center Foundation

“Lead desperately needs this new community facility to serve area residents of all ages and improve the quality of life here,” said Mike Headley, executive director of SDSTA and the laboratory director at SURF. “In addition to addressing the need for affordable childcare and after school programs, this donation is an investment in the long-term future well-being of our community. A facility like this helps SURF and local businesses attract and retain top tier talent in the Northern Black Hills.

The SDSTA donation to the Lead Community Center Foundation for this effort will be made in four installments, from SDSTA owned funds, over four years as part of the on-going fundraising campaign that kicked-off on Jan. 4, 2024, in Lead. Those interested in donating can contact fundraising organizers at leadcommunitycenterfoundation@gmail.com. 

The photo above includes: (From left to right), Dennis Schumacher, building inspector, City of Lead; Robin Lucero, city planner, City of Lead; Darla Auld, Handley Center Board President; and Emma Garvin, executive director for the Deadwood Lead Economic Development Corporation who joined Ann Metli, director of communications, SURF; and Mike Headley executive director, SDSTA and laboratory director, SURF. 

by Mike Ray