The Nike Center

The Clinton County Board of Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities is often referred to as the Board of MR/DD, as well as the Nike Center, due to our unique history. Although the Clinton County Board of Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities was not created until 1968, the Town and Country School started in 1958 and was operated by the Clinton County Council for Retarded Citizens for five years and by the Child Welfare Board until 1968. The school was located in the basement of the Friends Church in Wilmington until 1963 and was then moved to the former Mt. Pleasant School six miles north of Wilmington on State Route 68. The class of eight children soon grew and new programs were started as needs were identified. Home training was added in 1965 and an adult workshop was added in 1967. The first operating levy was passed in 1963 for 0.2 mills. In April 1972, the Board gained access to the former Nike Missile Base and completely renovated the buildings for its use. A 1.0 mill operating levy was passed at that time. The Nike Center was dedicated in October 1974 with Senator Robert Taft officiating.