CDFA’s Community Center Investment Program (CCIP), a collaboration with the Governor’s Office for Emergency Relief and Recovery (GOFERR), aims to enhance community spaces across New Hampshire, especially in rural and underserved areas. The program, funded by the American Rescue Plan Act, will invest approximately $23 million across New Hampshire to support the construction, expansion, and rehabilitation of 27 community centers. The impact of the program is far-reaching, with thousands of residents benefiting from improved facilities that serve as vital hubs for social, recreational, and civic activities, providing spaces where people can connect, engage, and access essential services. Projects across the state demonstrate the essential roles played by these centers, from supporting underserved populations to providing recreational opportunities and improving public health.
Tamworth Community Nurse Association: Expanding Access and Impact
The Tamworth Community Nurse Association (TCNA) was the first project awarded through the Community Center Investment Program (CCIP) to complete construction. The new 2,600-square-foot facility on Main Street, three times the size of the original space, reflects TCNA’s ongoing commitment to accessible healthcare since 1921. With a convenient location next to the town offices, the building is a “one-stop-shop” where residents can access free skilled nursing care, educational programs, and assistance in getting other essential services. It is estimated that TCNA serves 3,000 Tamworth residents every year, including senior citizens and those with limited mobility, to whom the improvements will be particularly beneficial.
This $1.4 million project – made possible by a $1 million grant from CDFA – features solar panels, which make it more energy-efficient, expanded paved parking, and includes a waiting room, examination rooms, upgraded lab space, supply rooms, and offices for the nurses. The expanded space will also allow TCNA to make its Meals on Wheels program reach even more individuals, particularly those marginalized by rural isolation, aging, poverty, disabilities, or lack of family support.
The community came together on August 3rd, 2024 to celebrate this milestone with a ribbon-cutting ceremony. This marked a new chapter in the association’s mission to support the physical, mental, and social well-being of all Tamworth residents and maintain a healthy, vibrant community.
Leavitt Community Center: A Hub for Accessible Recreation and Entertainment
The Leavitt Community Center in Laconia is undergoing a major transformation, set to revitalize one of the city’s most beloved neighborhood parks into a dynamic hub for recreation, entertainment, education, and fitness. The project, backed by a $392,870 grant from CDFA and additional funding from local groups, aims to enhance the park’s amenities and create a more inclusive space for all residents of Lakeport.
Though the project is not yet complete, the community recently celebrated a key milestone with a ribbon-cutting ceremony that marked the completion of the work on the outdoor playground. Key facility upgrades include the renovation of the Parkhouse, which now boasts new flooring, energy-efficient LED lighting, and an updated audio-visual system. A standout feature of this project is the creation of an ADA-accessible playground, ensuring that all children can enjoy the upgraded space. This includes a wheelchair-accessible swing, a glider, and a sensory game, as well as traditional playground structures like swings, slides, and jungle gyms. In addition, the park will see the construction of a gazebo, enhancing its ability to host weddings and live performances.
Once completed, the Leavitt Community Center is projected to have a significant impact on the local community. Currently, it serves approximately 1,600 community members at outdoor concerts and performances and provides educational programs to 480 participants. The newly developed community space in the Parkhouse can host 2,600 individuals per year and the restored playground is expected to welcome 25,000 visitors annually, most of which live within walking distance, making it a vital resource for the Lakeport area.
Tapply-Thompson Community Center: Expanding Services and Creating Jobs
The Tapply-Thompson Community Center in Bristol is undergoing large-scale renovations to further its mission of serving the rural communities of Alexandria, Bridgewater, Bristol, Danbury, Groton, Hebron, Hill, and New Hampton.
The project is made possible through a $1 million grant from CDFA and is expected to be completed by December 2024. The building upgrades include energy-efficient LED lighting with occupancy sensors and much-needed HVAC improvements, which will increase the comfort and usability of the facility year-round, especially during extremely hot summer days.
The Center plays a vital role in Bristol and the surrounding communities, offering a range of programs that serve both youth and adults. Its after-school program currently accommodates up to 90 children, while the summer camp program serves 140 children each year. Additionally, the Center’s food pantry provides 142 children with food every weekend, ensuring no child goes hungry. The interconnectedness of the Center’s programs underscores its commitment to building a supportive and inclusive environment. For example, participants in the Center’s program for young adults with disabilities are responsible for preparing food bags for children in the after-school program, creating a cycle of mutual support that strengthens the community.
The Tapply-Thompson Community Center renovations will not only expand the space for programs to continue running but also ensure it will remain a “safe place to call home for all those who visit.”
