The Station temporarily closed for remodel and restructuring

Dusty Adams, a regular at The Station, breaks up a rack of nine ball. PHOTO BY ADAM STEWART | STANWOOD/CAMANO NEWS Since its opening in 2008, The Station’s mission has been to provide an inviting, safe and positive place for people of all ages to gather as a community.

Employees boast they offer the best cup of coffee in Stanwood.

It’s more than a coffee shop; a line of pool tables, a game room, free Wi-Fi, comfortable couches, live shows and a ping-pong table attract students ready to wind down after school while senior groups gather for games of eight ball.

“Every day, something good happens here,” said owner Dave Phifer. “The challenge is keeping the doors open.”

A volunteer-led group named “Friends of The Station” formed to face the challenge.

On Monday, The Station closed for a redecorating project. A fresh coat of paint, hardwood flooring for the stage, additional counter space and a homework station will be installed by the group, many of whom are regular customers.

Management hopes the project will entice more organizations to hold private parties at the facility.

When they reopen on April 3, The Station will operate as a not-for-profit organization.

“The goal is to promote broad community support,” said Leslie Wargo, manager.

Volunteer help will allow The Station’s doors to remain open full time.

“It’s nice to see folks capturing the vision,” said Phifer.

Prior to receiving help from Friends of The Station, management was considering a weekday closure.

For customers like Joe Thieman, options for young adults to gather in public are limited.

“The Station is a great place to hang out with friends,” he said. “There’s no other place like it.”

Phifer said the challenge is getting people to come in to see what the facility has to offer.

“It’s not quite crystal clear what The Station is,” he said.

Former volunteer turned employee, Bryce Hanson, said there are some misconceptions about what goes on.

“At first, customers are hesitant. They aren’t really sure what goes on here,” said Hanson. “Once they come in and see what we have to offer, they leave with a different perception.”

Hanson said the biggest draw is the pool hall area, open to all ages.

Long-time customer Dusty Adams agreed. He plays pool at The Station to be with friends and enjoys competition from older patrons.

Phifer and Wargo said the shift to not-for-profit seemed natural. By relying on volunteers, customers can take pride in sharing the responsibility of “their place,” said Phifer.

“‘It’s your place,’ is the motto,” said Wargo. But we do have parameters.

“Our number one rule is to be respectful,” said Phifer. From that, the sky’s the limit.

Live music shows, open mic nights and pool tournaments are run by the patrons.

“The regulars know what works here,” said Wargo. “It’s great to see the kids police themselves.”

When occasional problems do arise, Phifer and staff treat them as learning opportunities.

“As a community, we encourage people to be positive citizens,” he said. “Many cultural ills stem from isolation.”

By bringing people together in a safe environment, “we can celebrate what is good about the Stanwood and Camano Island area,” said Phifer.

As the Friends of The Station spearhead support efforts, management encourages community members to get on board.

“We’re especially looking for assistance with the afterschool homework station,” said Wargo. Other opportunities include organizing hobby classes and running senior pool tournaments.

For information about volunteering, contact thestanwoodstation@ gmail.com or call 360- 939-0089.

Staff Reporter Adam Stewart: 629-8066 ext. 115 or astewart@scnews.com.