We are all familiar with and recognize the premise that recreation is important to each of us as individuals for our physical and mental well-being. We have heard and understand why recreation has become such an essential part of our culture. But, for this moment, I ask to contemplate one other benefit (that is seldom acknowledged) that recreation achieves. It brings us together as a community. A Center such as this brings people together under one roof with a common purpose. A recreation center is, in fact, a community builder.

There is a history to this Center, this building. That history perhaps has a lesson for us today. In the late '70's, when these facilities became available to us, there were those who raised their voices in opposition to the Township assuming ownership, maintenance and the associated expense. When this building needed a new roof, there were even more who called upon the Board to demolish the building, to desist from any more "wasteful" expenditures. And still, today there are those in our community who would rail against the expense of improving our community facilities against those assets that function as public amenities that service our residents and set Northampton Township above its neighbors as a community that truly invests in itself. These people unfortunately lack vision - a vision of a time when our posterity may build upon the foundation that we have created in the many improvements and facilities that came before them. Imagine if our leaders then, such as Jim Kinney, had listened to that misguided criticism years ago. There would be no Free Library of Northampton Township, no Recreation Center, no dedication of these wonderful improvements for which we celebrate today, and most importantly, no hundreds if not thousands of residents and their children experiencing (some for their very first time) the benefits of that library or recreation program(s). To some extent, then, this dedication is an affirmation of the actions taken by those Boards of Supervisors of years ago, and some who are still with us today, to whom we must gratefully acknowledge their contribution and commitment to this community.

It is altogether fitting that we recognize the persistence and effort of several individuals and/or groups in helping to plan, design, and create this improved facility. First of all, I would like to extend our gratitude and congratulations to our architect and construction manager respectively, Donovan and Associates and O'Donnell and Naccarato (Mike Herrmann), to our general contractor Little Builders particularly Tom Little and Jerry Carr both of whom are residents - many thanks. To both current and former members of our Park and Recreation Board - Steve Long, Marty Wade, Vince Criniti, Sean Garrigan, Ray Breuninger, Kretz Mathis, Evan Stone and Dave Liess - we appreciate the years that you have worked on this project (since 1996).

Of course, nothing really gets accomplished in the area of Park and Recreation without our hard working staff and this project is no exception. Much of the credit is due to the efforts of Nancy Opalka, Dan Sharapan and most especially Helene Bellosi and Jen Fean who are now and will continue to be the staff personnel servicing this facility.

Last and certainly not least - "hats off" - to my fellow Board members - past and present who unanimously supported renovations to this building with a special thank you to the two individuals who served as Board liaison for Community Facilities and Services - former Supervisor William Benz and, of course, our current liaison - Dr. Arthur Friedman.