Information and images related to the development of the Elizabeth Sugden Broughton Community Building, established 2019.

Designed for a variety of uses and events!

The Elizabeth Sugden Broughton Community Building is located at the main entrance, just across from the pavilion, in the activity center of the Broughton Nature and Wildlife Education Area. 

To reserve the building or other facilities, please contact the property manager or call 740-374-9396.

A plan to build a community building has been years in the making. In most communities, suitable facilities are not always available when needed. Public meetings are often held in spaces that were not designed and equipped for large gatherings, thus the need for a multi-purpose facility that can be used for public and private events year-round. The Foundation also believes that the development of such a facility would be the type of project that Carl and Elizabeth Broughton would endorse. The Foundation was the principal contributor to the Carl L. Broughton Boathouse on Gilman Avenue in Marietta.

Several suppliers, contractors, affiliates, friends, user groups and individuals have been generous supporters of the Foundation, the Community Building and the Park. Most gifts have been financial, although many gifts of materials and in-kind services also help the Foundation do more for less. Gifts to the Foundation may be sent to the Marietta Community Foundation.

Gifts to the Elizabeth Sugden Broughton Community Building should be marked “ESB Building.” Gifts in support of Park trails, ponds, picnic areas and grounds should be marked “Park Maintenance.” Financial gifts to the Foundation will be used entirely for maintenance and further development. Contributions in kind are also appreciated.

The building is designed for meetings, presentations, training, and social events. It has a kitchen for food brought in by users and caterers.

About the Building

Site prep was completed and footers were poured for the Elizabeth Sugden Broughton Community Building in late Fall of 2018 by the team comprised of crews from Morton Buildings, local engineers, contractors and advisors who completed the building in July of 2019. This is the latest and largest building project undertaken by The Broughton Foundation.

Our Foundation is proud to have been active in the community since 1991. It has been our honor to be associated with projects that contribute to economic development and to the quality of life in our community.

The Foundation’s fundamental purpose has been the development and maintenance of the Broughton Nature and Wildlife Education Area for education, recreation, and environmental study. The Elizabeth Sugden Broughton Community Building, located at the main entrance to the Wildlife Area, is a large part of that mission. Both are signature projects of The Broughton Foundation.

As our features and facilities developed to date have been entirely outdoor, we see the greatest usage in spring, summer and fall. But that is about to change. While frozen ponds and cold winds reduce outdoor participation, the new community building provides an indoor/outdoor setting for year-round use. 

We hope it will become a popular venue for nonprofit organizations, schools, governments, social activities, events and commercial users year round. Fees will be used entirely for maintenance and further development of a facility we believe will be a great asset to our community.

To request information and make reservations for the Community Building, please contact us anytime.

Anyone wishing to help defray maintenance and development costs for the Elizabeth Sugden Broughton Community Building with a tax-deductible financial gift can send it to the Marietta Community Foundation marked “ESB Building.” Contributions in kind are also appreciated.