
She began her talk reminding us of the rich history of CCBA. The CCBA has been building community for over 100 years! Founded in 1919. From the CCBA website:Founded in 1919, the CCBA provides the Upper Valley with a multitude of recreational, fitness, family, and youth development opportunities. Our primary purpose is to provide a welcoming environment with a variety of opportunities to support the community’s well-being. We encourage people of all ages and physical abilities to gather, play, learn, exercise, and compete. Our unique role in the Upper Valley has been, and continues to be, our appeal to people of all ages, abilities, and income levels. Our inclusive and positive environment also encourages participants to connect and grow together.
The CCBA’s initial facility, (known as the “CCB”), was gifted by Lebanon’s William S. Carter family in 1919. The CCB was established “…for the purpose of furnishing the young people of Lebanon a healthful and uplifting club life, following in its line of work that of the Y.M.C.A. and kindred institutions.” Activities at the CCB have ranged from Junior League meetings, competitive nights of card games, scouting troop gatherings, sports instruction, and celebrations of many sorts. For several decades, we have also provided opportunities for children outside of school, a program that morphed into our no-charge Youth Drop-in Center. Over the years, participants have cherished the lifelong lessons and relationships built at the CCB. In addition, for almost 25 years, the original building has also housed the CCBA’s state-licensed preschool, a critical resource in our region where childcare and early childhood education programs are in dire need.
With the addition of the Witherell Recreation Center in 1987, the CCBA grew significantly in scope, established itself as a region-wide resource, and became a true campus featuring multiple buildings, playing fields, and community spaces.
Today, we are the only organization in the Upper Valley to offer the broad range of recreational programs and amenities we maintain. We serve people ages six weeks to over 100 years old, and are open to any who wish to join. 44% of our members live in Lebanon or West Lebanon, and the remainder live within 20 miles of the facility.
CCBA mission: CCBA promotes healthy lifestyles, personal development, and community connections by offering recreational, fitness, and educational programs for people of all ages and abilities.
CCBA is an inclusive community that includes infants to individuals over the age of 90. CCBA very welcoming to individual with developmental and physical challenges. The organization hosts a group of veterans for a pool exercise class that has morphed into an informal support group and gathering place for veterans. Students with developmental issues are welcomed two days a week with their physical education faculty members. They host an after school program for up to 60 students from K-6th grade. (This program is licensed by the NH Dept. of Child Care).
Fundraising is done so that scholarships can be offered to children and adults who do not have an income that would permit being a member independently. In 2023, CCBA raised $40,000 for scholarships for after school programs, summer camps, and for other who otherwise could not afford a membership.
There are a variety of recreation opportunities within the CCBA building:
- The Witherell Recreation Center features Lane and Elizabeth C. Dwinell Pool that has 6-lanes, 25-meters in length, and a diving board The pool is a favorite for lap swimming and aqua fitness.
- CCBA is the home of Lebanon High School’s swim team, and the site of swim meets for both Lebanon’s and Hanover High School’s wwim and dive teams.
- The Group Fitness Studio hosts over 30 group fitness classes per week, and individuals use our free weight, strength training, and cardio rooms throughout the day with state-of-the-art equipment.
- There is a Training Studio, which is frequently used for personal training sessions.
- Plus a Mind+Body Studio with Pilates Springboards, TRX, and yoga classes.
- CCBA offers basketball, volleyball, pickleball, and futsal on our newly refinished double indoor basketball gym, The Pat Walsh Gymnasium.
- Outside we have a basketball court, tennis/pickleball courts, two turf sports parks for soccer, a playspace for kids ages 5-12, a pavilion and a large grass field. Our summer campers, which hundreds of local youth participate in each year, take advantage of many of these spaces during our 9-week full-day camp.
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