History of the CRRC

The Community Resource and Recreation Center was incorporated as a non-profit 501(c)3 organization on January 23, 2003. CRRC was created when the Canyon Lake Action Center and the Canyon Lake Community Recreation Center joined together to meet the various needs of the Canyon Lake community. The CRRC mission statement, “to serve the residents of Canyon Lake by providing vital social service resources as well as life-enriching recreation and educational opportunities,” fulfilled both organizations’ desire to serve.

The Canyon Lake Action Center, known as CLAC, started in February 1981 when a group of six ladies joined together to form The Canyon Lake Volunteer Action Center. In September 1981, the group got an office at the VFW Post 2880 in Sattler from where they made phone calls and arranged for assistance with transportation for the disabled and elderly. The group started a linen closet and then a small food pantry to help those in need.

Other organizations such as the Pilots, the K of C, Beta Sigma Phi sorority, and the churches joined in supporting the VAC activities. In 1983 the VAC Board of Directors Chairman was Clarence Gathright, Jr. and Mrs. Fran Muehleisehen was the director. At this time, the name was changed to Canyon Lake Action Center and the group purchased four lots. A temporary building was built with the help of the Canyon Lake Jaycees that became the Thrift Store. Numerous fund raising efforts were held to raise money to pay for the lots and later to build a building. In November 1984, the Action Center was dedicated. The building proved to be too small for all the activities and the Thrift Store moved to a rented space in the Bradley Building down the street from CLAC. In 1992, CLAC was able to purchase the Dove Plumbing building that was next to the Action Center and the Thrift Store moved in.

Throughout the years, numerous additions were added to the buildings and in September 1998, a new building was built that currently houses the CRRC Thrift Store. Throughout the years, the most important word constantly used was “volunteers.” This still holds true today. None of this would have happened if it were not for the spirit of Canyon Lake volunteers.

The Canyon Lake Community Recreation Center was an idea that started in 1993 when a number of people, spearheaded by Trish Wyatt, decided the community needed a recreation center for children. Through numerous fund raising efforts including penny drives and carnivals and with the help of county officials, the Recreation Center building became a reality in 2000. The Recreation Center featured Kids in Safe Surroundings, an after school program, and numerous kid related sports activities. Again, the key word used to express the accomplishments of getting a recreation center built is “volunteers.”

In 2016, the Community Resource and Recreation Center is staffed by seven full and eight part-time employees and over 170 volunteers. The Canyon Lake spirit of volunteering to help the community is still going strong today. While the original programs have been somewhat modified, CRRC still provides a food pantry, emergency financial assistance, and Thrift Store vouchers. CRRC provides a durable medical equipment loan program and partners with the Comal County Senior Center for Meals on Wheels. We still have an active senior bridge group that plays on Tuesdays and every other Friday. We have a Mah Jongg group that plays on Wednesdays. We provide meeting space for HUD Assistance classes, health seminars, club meetings, voting, safe driving classes, and private meeting. The Recreation Center has active Silver Sneaker I & II programs, yoga classes, adult and girls volleyball, adult the kids basketball leagues, pickleball and other classes – nearly everything from A to Z (aerobics to Zumba).

Our Thrift Store quality exceeds all expectations. CRRC has something for everyone in the community.

Thank you for supporting our programs!