There is potential that a Community Center may be on the horizon for Oro Valley sooner rather than later. Regardless of where or when it happens, for my family it would mean a great deal. A Community Center, by definition, is for social, cultural, or recreational purposes, and let's face it, will provide more opportunity to escape the summer heat.
When I was younger, I would accompany my best friend and her family as they frequented our town's community center as members. After school it was a safe place to do to homework and wait for her father to arrive from work where the family would participate in racket ball, tennis, or swimming while catching up with a few neighborhood friends. On weekends we would have lunch at the on-site restaurant and participate in an art class or two. My point is to this day, those are some of the fondest memories I have. I'd like the opportunity to provide the same for my children.
A Community Center could be utilized:
As the place for all-community celebrations at various occasions and traditions.
As the place for public meetings of the citizens on various issues.
As the place where politicians or other official leaders come to meet the citizens and ask for their opinions, support or votes ("election campaigning" in democracies, other kinds of requests in non-democracies).
As a place where community members meet each other socially.
As a place housing local clubs and volunteer activities.
As a place that community members (and sometimes others), can rent cheaply when a private family function or party is too big for their own home. For instance the non-church parts of weddings, funerals etc.
As a place that passes on and retells local history.
There are many reasons to incorporate a Community Center in Oro Valley. I think all ages, interests, and socio-economic groups would benefit from a gathering place offering a variety of recreational, sports-oriented, and artistic amenities that we could all participate in. A place that encompasses the hobbies, interests, and pastimes of my entire family all while in the company of one another. Where else can you say that happens? Yes, reason to celebrate, indeed!
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Heather Nenadovich has lived in Oro Valley a total of five years. She has a B.A. in Psychology from the University of Arizona. Her husband is Canadian so she is a hockey fan by default and so are her two very clever children. When not being a mommy, she enjoys hiking in Catalina State Park, hand building pottery, and gardening. Her favorite things about living in Oro Valley are the towns recognition of art and culture, their commitment to preserving nature and the Christmas parade. (Also anything from GMG Chinese Bistro.)
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