A new covered portico will accommodate buses at The Hub, which includes guest registration.A $1.5 million construction and renovation project at White Oak Conference Center, near Winnsboro, opens this month and is highlighted by a full-service activity area called The Hub, promoting creative learning spaces and fellowship opportunities among guests.
Pictured is a new 13,000-square-foot pavilion at the East Recreation area.In addition to the facility project, leaders like director Tim Hughes said the update allows staff to better provide customized service to guests, who can better create and strengthen relationships through informal times at the center.
“We want everything to work toward providing a comfortable setting where spiritual needs can be met,” Hughes said. “We want people to experience Christ at White Oak Conference Center.”
The project, said Roger Orman, director, communications and mission development team, South Carolina Baptist Convention, represents a new vision for White Oak.
The new brick entrance with Beacham Auditorium in the background.“We see White Oak Conference Center as a launching pad for individuals and guests to reach the world for Christ,” Orman said. “Toward that goal, we always want to exceed the guest’s expectations for service. We want to customize an experience for any group, and work with group leaders to meet specific needs. We feel our greatest asset as a conference center is service and functionality.”
The gem of the new project is The Hub, a large, open center of activity that replaces the smaller and more closed areas that include the canteen, gift shop and lobby areas. The Hub includes:
? The front desk and registration area that also features Cleo’s Nest – the center’s gift shop and vending area;
? A back patio with a new fire pit that accommodates 175 people;
? A full-service caf?, with indoor and outdoor service, that can serve 30 people and is the perfect location for family reunions;
? Comfortable chairs that hang from the ceilings, and window seating, that promote quiet spaces for reading, study and conversation;
? A 27-seat theater for smaller conference settings; and
? An Internet caf? accessible with security cards issued at registration; and additional vending and first aid.
Orman said, “We want The Hub to help create community at White Oak Conference Center. The former design didn’t allow space for people just to hang out and visit. We believe the open area will be a place that positions our staff to better serve conference center guests.”
Here is the ropes course, with the White Oak water tower in the background.In addition to The Hub, other highlights brought about by this year’s project include:
? A new, brick roadside entrance; and a new facility entrance featuring a registration portico large enough for buses to park under and with easy access to registration.
? The east recreation area, which now includes a 13,000-square-foot pavilion, a junior Olympic swimming pool, family-friendly children’s playground area, and the Odyssey Challenge ropes course.
? Fellowship Lane, which is positioned between Beacham Auditorium and a classroom building. Fellowship Lane includes a fountain, tables and chairs to promote conversation.
? Improved cell-phone reception.
? Six-person golf carts to assist the transportation of guests from lodging quarters to the learning and fellowship spaces. Orman said the project reflects good stewardship on a 30-year investment South Carolina Baptists have made at White Oak. “This debt-free project helps protect the investment of South Carolina Baptists. It keeps White Oak Conference Center relevant within our changing culture.”
White Oak serves about 23,000 guests per year, including many South Carolina Baptists. The Hub and recreation additions will, Orman said, help White Oak attract other non-profits that are consistent with South Carolina Baptist values, family reunions, schools and government agencies.
Church and community group leaders will be invited to an evening with Christian entertainer Mark Lowry, Saturday, Sept. 19. The ticketed event will allow leaders to experience dinner and entertainment, guest service, and tours of the renovations and construction at White Oak Conference Center.