Smith Mountain Lake Center

The Smith Mountain Lake Center began as a dream shared by our community — a dream of creating a welcoming, multi-use space where people of all ages could connect, learn and be inspired, right here in the heart of Smith Mountain Lake. Over the years, that dream gained momentum thanks to the passion and persistence of local leaders who understood just how much a space like this could mean to our region.

Vicki Gardner, former executive director of the Smith Mountain Lake Regional Chamber of Commerce, helped lead the charge. Her belief in the power of community helped bring new energy to the effort, ultimately resulting in the formation of The Smith Mountain Lake Center, Inc. — now a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.

Today, the SML Center project is guided by an 11-member board of directors committed to finally realizing this vision by purchasing and transforming the Westlake Cinema building into a vibrant venue where education, entertainment (including continued film showings), events and community connection will be accessible to the entire region.