UMaine Machias reopens newly renovated Reynolds Gymnasium 

The University of Maine at Machias celebrated the completion of the long-awaited renovation of the Reynolds Gymnasium, as students, regional and state leaders and guests took part in a ribbon-cutting ceremony today and facility dedications.

The extensive renovations, which began in fall 2024,  included a brand new, NCAA-compliant hardwood floor, new bleachers, upgraded scoreboards, a new sound system and other enhancements to support student and community events. 

The gym and adjacent Murdock Fitness and Aquatics Center are widely 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 AAU 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 Reynolds Gym is one of our campus’s most beloved spaces, and we are thrilled to make it even more accessible and versatile for the future.” 

The total cost of the Reynolds Gym project was $729,000. The renovations were made possible through a general obligation bond approved by Maine’s legislature and voters in 2018 and dedicated to funding infrastructure improvements across the University of Maine System (UMS). In addition, UMaine Machias professors emeriti Richard and Elsie Larson generously donated to the Reynolds Center Improvement Fund, which is dedicated to helping cover the cost of maintenance and capital improvements for the building.

Read the full story on the UMaine Machias website. 

Contact: John Diamond, diamond@maine.edu