Appreciating the versatility of Cam-plex
What does the community want Cam-plex to be? Thanks to the general election, we know what it doesn’t want Cam-plex to be, but the question still remains.
The Campbell County Public Land Board met this week to talk about where to go from here. Maintaining existing facilities and increasing revenue were the two main takeaways, but this will be an ongoing conversation for the foreseeable future.
It’s a very versatile facility. Here’s a list of the events I covered or attended at Cam-plex in the last eight weeks:
Sport & Wellness Expo: I ran a 5K around Cam-plex, finishing in third with a time I wasn’t happy with. Then I got my vertical jump tested and did some pullups, and I felt better about myself. I won’t disclose my numbers here, as this is not the time or place for it.
North American Dog Agility Council National Championships: I got to watch dogs from all over the country run through obstacle courses, both in order and very out of order.
Northeast Wyoming Quilt Show: There were so many cool quilts. The craftsmanship, the handiwork and the dedication all were on display. I was reminded that when it comes to patience, I am lacking, because I could never finish a quilt.
Dancing with the Gillette Stars: This fundraiser for the YES House brought in $268,000, and I won a bottle of pumpkin spice chardonnay at a silent auction.
Northeast Wyoming Rock Hounds Rock Show: I assumed this would be attended by a bunch of adults serious about rocks. I was surprised by how many kids were there, and how much they loved minerals. I pick up a mineral and then I put it down. These young rock enthusiasts were mesmerized by what looked like a boring mineral, which goes to show how much I know about geology.
Treat Street: Free candy always brings people out. The line for this event was incredibly long, and there were many cute and creative costumes. I was reminded, once again, that I need to work on my patience, because there’s no way I’m waiting in line that long for candy.
American Kennel Club scent work trial: There were dogs from all over the region sniffing and searching. It was a lot more chill than the agility trials, and I appreciated that. I also learned a lot about the sport.
2024 General Election: I hope Gillette residents appreciate how convenient it is that if they are living in the city limits, their polling place is at Cam-plex. No need to worry if your polling place is at this church or that school. Just come to Cam-plex and cast your vote.
I don’t know how much money Cam-plex brought in because of these events, but I’m guessing it wasn’t a lot. But these events, in one way or another, improved the lives of thousands.
And this is just a fraction of the events that took place at Cam-plex during this timeframe. There was a ballet, a film festival, a children’s bike rodeo, a corn hole tournament and an arborists convention, just to name a few.
It’s easy to say that you want Cam-plex to be more profitable. I’m sure we all want that. But it’s another thing entirely to figure out a way to make more money while keeping it available to the public. It will take some creative thinking to reduce the subsidy from taxpayers.
If Cam-plex didn’t care about the community, it could jack up the rental rates, pricing out your average nonprofit organization. The facility would then be open only to national events, should they choose to come here, and a few local events held by Campbell County’s wealthy population. Nonprofit organizations would have to hold fundraisers to get enough money to hold an event at Cam-plex.
But that’s not what Cam-plex is. For the last 40-plus years, it’s been for the people, and it will continue to be for the people. I hope the residents of Campbell County realize and appreciate that.
It’s a benefit, not a burden.