By BOB MARTIN
Eagle Times Staff
NEWPORT, N.H. — The final stages of construction are underway at the community center, and the town of Newport just announced that the facility will be named after a local couple who have been vital to the project from day one.
This week, the town of Newport announced the naming of the new facility in honor of donors Harold and Geraldine LaValley, forever memorializing their involvement with the title, “LaValley Family Community Center.”
“Of course, anyone would be happy to have such a beautiful facility named after them,” Harold LaValley said. “I’ve wanted this so bad for so long, and I just can’t tell you how much I enjoy just looking at this new building. What a treasure this is for Newport.”
According to information provided by Economic Development Coordinator Allison Browning, the LaValleys were integral in the process of bringing the community center vision to life from the start.
“Seven years ago, when the original Request for Proposal for a feasibility study was released, Harold and Geraldine LaValley stepped forward with a financial commitment that has been the driving force in bringing this dream to life,” she stated. “Their steadfast dedication and belief in our community have carried us through every challenge and triumph along the way, playing a crucial role in the pursuit of funding and resources needed to ensure the project’s success”
Town Manager Kyle Harris agreed, saying that they not only provided a “generous donation” for the project, but was the project simply would not have moved forward without their involvement.
“They were on board from day one with a sizable donation to the project,” Harris said.
The center is meant to be a “vibrant hub” for people to make memories and connections, as well as be a spot where “the spirit of Newport is celebrated.”
Browning wrote that the LaValleys have a love for the town that is “reflected in every corner” of the center. She said it is a testament to what can be achieved when the community comes together.
“Naming the center in honor of Harold and Geraldine is a reflection of their lasting impact on Newport — a reminder to us all of the spirit of community and generosity that strengthens us,” Browning stated.
The center will be hosting events, activities and programs that are designed for all residents of Newport, regardless of age. It is described by Browning as a “place for all to feel at home.”
LaValley, who founded LaValley Building Supply with his wife in 1962 and is still active in the business working in Newport, said that this was a collaborative effort between them and members of the community to raise money and lobby for voters to approve it.
He recalls Eagle Times publisher Jay Lucas standing out with signs in front of Town Hall, and former Town Manager Hunter Riesberg touting for the center and working to raise money for it. He gave a shout out to local resident Bert Spaulding, who did research to make sure it was the right choice for the town. LaValley also said that the project could not have been done without Recreation Manager PJ Lovely’s hard work.
The $9 million project has been about three decades in the making through conversations and studies. It is a major step up from the current, much smaller, facility, bringing a state-of-the-art building that provides ample space for a number of activities and events.
The center will have a fitness room, storage area, and office for the recreation director, and also be a location for programs. It will allow for five programs at once, and the gym can be divided to allow for multiple activities.
There will be a multi-purpose room with ping pong tables and couches, which is also an open area for children to play. When there are sporting events being played, both indoor at the fields on the property, or inside, there will be a concession stand for people to get refreshments.
The building has five team rooms and 11 bathrooms, and one will have a shower.
Harris said the gym floor arrived on Tuesday, and installation of the sub-floor began on Wednesday morning. The wood floor pieces of the floor need to acclimate to the building for at least two weeks, and once the sub-floor is in, and the moisture test comes back, they will be able to complete the installation.
“We are still targeting mid-February for significant completion of the project, and we are hoping to do tours of the building during our Winter Carnival in February,” Harris said. “Then we will have a true grand opening celebration in early spring, to give time to get moved in and figured out.”
On March 11, Harris said there will be a room in the center for voting for the school elections, and on April 8, the town’s Deliberative Session to discuss the warrant articles and budgets
Harris said on April 9, the Harlem Wizards are scheduled to play at the center, and this will mark the first major event.
“We do have some events tentatively scheduled, but we haven’t set a definitive date on the grand opening yet,” Harris said. “We are making a lot of progress but there are some slowdowns. We had a domino effect having to with permitted power, but we are back where we should be, and pieces are falling into place.”