Committee dedicated to repairing ‘This is Rocket Territory’ barn announces end of efforts
SLIPPERY ROCK TWP — After three years of working on a plan to repair the “This is Rocket Territory” barn, the historic barn committee announced it is resigning its efforts.
Kellie Rea, with the committee, read a statement during the Slippery Rock Area School Board meeting Monday evening, Nov. 9. It cited an inability for the committee and board to come to agreeable terms for the future of the barn.
“We recognize that several members of this school board genuinely supported our efforts and for that, we owe you our sincere gratitude. However, we believe others did not share our vision for preserving this historic landmark or the willingness to work with us to make this restoration a reality,” she said.
Sitting at the intersection of Centreville Pike and Rocket Drive, the century-old barn became an iconic landmark in Slippery Rock after the high school cheerleaders painted “THIS IS ROCKET TERRITORY” on the west side of the barn in 1978.
Last year, the committee announced it was looking to make repairs to the barn, including the roof, gutters, downspouts and a fresh coat of paint. It also announced preliminary plans for a mural on the eastern wall.
Rea said the restoration efforts would not have required district support because they found donors willing to fund the project. She said the committee will be having discussions with major donors about what happens with those funds.
“Despite proposing a restoration project that would have required little to no financial commitment from this district, we are ultimately unable to reach a workable agreement. It is deeply disappointing that the project supported by so many dedicated community members could not move forward,” she said.
Rea’s statement ended by thanking supportive members of the board, as well as the community at large for supporting the committee’s endeavor.
Greg Schiller, board president, said the board has tried to work with the committee and “offered a lot of options” and suggestions to its members for how they could do the restoration.
“We’re in a position where we don’t want to assume liability or maintenance on this barn and that has been clearly expressed to them,” he said.
The next Slippery Rock Area School Board meeting is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. Monday, Nov. 23.
