Sharpsburg's bustling Linden Gym looking to pull in more teams with $100,000 renovations

Sharpsburg’s bustling Linden Gym is on tap for the final piece of more than $100,000 in renovations.

A new gymnasium floor is expected to be installed this spring, capping off work that includes roof repairs, LED lighting, improved ventilation and new backboards, bleachers and a scoreboard.

The existing hardwood floor has been sanded so many times that it’s too thin to be further refurbished, gym director Greg Domian said.

“We’ve applied for a state grant to help with the costs, and we’re patiently waiting for word,” he said.

An application was submitted for a Greenways, Trails and Recreation Program (GTRP) grant through the state. The money comes through the Department of Community and Economic Development.

Requests submitted in 2020 have yet to be approved but Domian expects notification shortly.

Rental fees are also being used to pay for the work, which has included replacing inoperable outlets, painting the walls and installing a new acrylic floor to replace crumbled concrete.

“Wooden backboards that were most likely 50 years or older were removed and new tempered glass ones were installed,” Domian said. “A new wireless scoreboard was installed. Exhaust fans on the ceiling were replaced. Cracked bleachers were removed and new aluminum portable bleachers were purchased.”

People are noticing and appreciating all the effort.

Fox Chapel resident Alex Moser frequents the gym with his fifth-grade son’s basketball team.

“That place is such a gem, and we are so lucky to have it in our area,” Moser said. “The renovations so far have been great. The new seating area and the freshly painted walls make such a difference.

“Our team and our coaches cannot wait to see the new floor when it goes in. That will be an amazing final touch.”

The facility at 205 North Canal St. is considered a local treasure.

It is used by a variety of groups for basketball, most notably the hometown Sharpsburg Wolves, who Domian has coached for years.

There’s also indoor winter baseball training, recreation time for students at the neighboring Watson Institute and social events.

“We have basketball rentals that have been using our facility for 25 years,” Domian said. “Some of the finest basketball trainers use the gym to do individual training. And most importantly, the gym is open periodically for children to come in off the streets and play basketball.”

In summer 2020, the gym was spotlighted after being selected to host an Adidas-sponsored basketball tournament.

Domian said the center is booked at near constant levels, especially over the winter.

“The fall-winter schedule shows very few open days where the gym sits idle,” he said.