Nichols Community Center
The historic Fox Island schoolhouse was built in 1934 by the Works Progress Administration during the Great Depression, operated until 1954, and is on the National Register of Historic Places.
Now part of the Nichols Community Center, this building opens its doors to Fox Islanders for meetings and activities.
Its two classrooms still have the original blackboards and the building retains much of its original architecture. All updates have lovingly and meticulously maintained the schoolhouse’s old-world charm and period correctness, including the kitchen and auditorium with stage.
The building is a tremendous asset for the Fox Island Community, hosting numerous public meetings and activities each year. But maintaining the building and grounds costs thousands of dollars each year, and even with volunteers donating hundreds of hours of time, improvements are always needed.
Many successful projects have been undertaken in recent years to bring the building back to the appearance and functionality it deserves. The entry hall and auditorium have been refurbished, restrooms have been updated, floors replaced and refinished, new lighting has been installed, and historic photographs of Fox Island welcome visitors into the building. The kitchen area was renovated a few years ago and the exterior painted. Front and back windows have been replaced, and the doors are in process But there is always work to be done! We need your help to preserve this historic building for the Fox Island Community.
The Fox Island Nature Center
The Fox Island Nature Center is a beautiful five-acre property facing 9th Avenue one lot south of the Nichols Community Center. It was purchased in 2004 as a nature center and wildlife preserve and includes a lush deep forest (old cedar, ferns, huckleberry, etc.), one of the major year-round island streams, and several wetlands.
Since then, several volunteer organizations (including Boy Scouts, Cub Scouts, Girl Scouts, and the Sand & Soil Garden Club) have conducted projects that improve access to the natural beauty of the center and comfort while there. These include bridges, trail definition, and clearing, boardwalks over mushy areas, benches for rest and quiet contemplation, signs identifying native trees and plants, picnic tables, and the entry garden.
The Nature Center Committee has been developing long-term goals, improving trails, controlling non-native invasive plants (such as blackberry, ivy, and holly), identifying native plants and animals on-site, and is beginning to screen project proposals and develop nature appreciation programs. With help from experts, members are learning more about the wildlife present so we can better manage the property and support public education and interest in nature. The center is truly a treasure to be shared and carefully managed.
For information on work parties and other programs, call Ed Burrough at 253-549-2537.
Athletic Field
Welcome to the true heart of Fox Island’s outdoor fun—our FICRA sports fields! These aren’t just fields; they’re where friendships are made, games are won, and memories are created. We’ve got an awesome baseball field with all the works—dugouts, bleachers, and outfield fencing—and plenty of space for soccer, football, softball, frisbee, volleyball, and more.
Our fields are here for everyone, whether you’re a pro, just playing for fun, or cheering from the sidelines. Picture this: weekends filled with the excitement of matches, community tournaments, and special events like charity games and team-building activities.
But it’s not just about the games—it’s about all of us. We love seeing our members get involved, and there are plenty of opportunities to volunteer and help keep our fields in great shape. (Please note that reservations of sports fields are limited to pre-approved FICRA specific activities. )
Your efforts make a huge difference and help us keep these spaces welcoming and fun for everyone!
Rent the NCC
Schedule your next event at our historic facility on beautiful Fox Island! The Nichols Community Center (NCC) on Fox Island, Washington is available for rental for your private party, wedding, wedding reception, meetings, or classes.
Building amenities include a large auditorium with a lighted stage, two meeting rooms, an outdoor gazebo, baseball field, playfield, fitness track, playground, and a fire pit.
Key Facility Features
- Beautifully refinished wood flooring throughout the Community Center
- Main auditorium with newly renovated stage
- Wi-fi
- Maximum Occupancy: 150 (Chairs Only); 80 (Chairs & Tables)
- Two classrooms/meeting rooms, maximum occupancy: 30 per room
- Full kitchen with refrigerator, microwave, stove/oven, and commercial coffee maker
- Banquet tables and new black chairs included
- Gazebo picnic shelter
- Baseball field, playfield, fitness track, and playground behind the center
- View of beautiful Hale Passage
- Non-smoking building
To inquire about renting the NCC, please complete the inquiry form below or email our rental coordinator at rentals@ficra.org.
Rental Rates
Non
Member
Rates
Full
Day
$650
Half
Day
$400
Paid
Member
Rates
Full
Day
$650
Half
Day
$400
Verified
Nonprofit
Rates
Full
Day
$650
Half
Day
$400
Half Day and All Day rates include the use of the auditorium, kitchen, classrooms and North deck. Note that since the Community Center allows public access, there may be use by the public of the grounds. However, paid renters have priority use of certain outdoor facilities such as the gazebo and fire pit. Those, and certain areas of the grounds, may be reserved and marked off as a part of the rented space. Make the rental coordinator aware of such needs when you schedule your rental. Half day rentals are from 9 AM to 3 PM or 4 PM to 10 PM.
Paid FICRA membership is only available to individuals who live or own property on Fox Island. The member who is recorded as payer on this rental contract is to be in attendance at the event, and is to be the source of the insurance rider.
Renter is responsible, at renter’s expense, to obtain any necessary permits required under
local, county or state law/regulations for renter’s use of the facility.
Security Deposit: $500 payable by check ONLY