Lakes Area LifeWay founder plans to establish multi-use campus in Linn
Several buildings on the Chapel on the Hill property are being renovated to prepare for the upcoming Geneva Lakes Community Campus, which will host community events, fundraisers, church services and educational programs.
The founder of a nonprofit organization wants to provide a place where people can learn, relax, worship and have fun.
Kelly Gerlitz of Lakes Area LifeWay plans to establish the Geneva Lakes Community Campus at N2440 Ara Glen Drive in the town of Linn, the previous location of Chapel on the Hill, this fall.
The campus is set to host community events, educational programs, business meetings, weddings, worship services and fundraisers.
“I think what makes this campus unique is it’s just not a facility, it’s a hub for creating a platform,” Gerlitz said. “Instead of organizations operating separately, we’re building a space where partnerships can happen naturally and resources can be shared, as well as networking.”
The main building will feature a lounge area, library, study rooms and conference areas for business meetings, training workshops, presentations and team-building activities, as well as office space that will be available for rent.
Gerlitz plans to renovate the theater building for community performances, fitness classes and workshops. The sanctuary is set to host worship services and weddings, and the prayer chapel will be available to residents throughout the day.
“We just want to facilitate all types of spiritual growth,” Gerlitz said. “Someone can come in for a one-stop shop from beginner to mature in their faith to ‘I don’t know what I believe.’ This will be a hub for someone who is looking for a place to worship and be connected to different churches.”
For the children
Gerlitz plans to establish the Lakeside Learning Center in the lower level of the main building which will include preschool, educational and summer camp programs.
The campus also will feature a playground that will be accessible for children with disabilities.
“I’ve always had a heart for children with disabilities, especially in our community,” Gerlitz said. “There’s not a lot of programs available. We raised funds for the Never Say Never Playground, which is in Delavan. But I’m happy we’ll have inclusive playground equipment on our property.”
Preparing the campus
Gerlitz obtained the Chapel on the Hill property more than a year ago.
“It’s cool to finally be here, a year and a half in the making,” Gerlitz said. “It’s well worth the wait, because I want to do it the right way because I feel like you only got one shot to launch something.”
Officials from Chapel on the Hill and other area churches will use the campus for worship services and other activities.
“We understand the chapel has left a legacy of serving this community and this vision only expands it,” Gerlitz said. “They will still offer worship here on Sunday mornings. We’re not a specific church identity. We’re a platform that supports ministry and supports spiritual growth.”
The Geneva Lakes Community Campus is set to be a place where people can relax, learn, worship and interact with others.
Starting Lakes Area LifeWay
Gerlitz, 28, started Lakes Area Lifeway in 2021 when she was 23 to partner with other organizations to host fundraisers, community events and social gatherings.
During previous years, Lakes Area Lifeway has hosted the Mr. Lake Geneva Pageant, in which participants raise money for a nonprofit organization of their choice.
Gerlitz hopes to offer more programs and services in the future with the Geneva Lakes Community Campus.
“It’s fulfilling for me to see this come to fruition,” Gerlitz said. “I’m so excited because this is just the beginning. The possibilities are endless here.”
For more information, visit www.genevalakescommunitycampus.org.
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