A New Community Center for Belmont
Why Belmont Needs a New Community Center
The Belmont Community Foundation (BCF) is a nonprofit volunteer organization dedicated to funding a new community center for Belmont. While the Barrett Community Center is currently a hub of activity, its aging buildings are nearing the end of their lifespan. Without action, Belmont risks losing essential spaces for learning, recreation, and community gatherings.
Currently, the Barrett Center primarily serves Belmont’s youth, but the reimagined facility will be designed for all ages and interests—creating a vibrant, multi-use space for everyone in the community.
More Than a Community Center - A Vital Resource
This project isn’t just about building a new facility—it’s about creating a multi-generational hub for education, recreation, and connection.
Beyond serving as a space for activities, the new community center could also become a centrally located emergency resource center. Recent years have shown the importance of having a safe, designated space for residents during heat waves, wildfire smoke days, and flooding events. This added function could also open the door to grant funding opportunities.
The Journey Toward a New Community Center
The need for a new facility has been discussed for years, but real progress began in 2019 when the City of Belmont took significant steps:
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Formed a Community Advisory Committee to guide the project
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Engaged residents to gather ideas and feedback
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Developed a conceptual design for a modern facility
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Received City Council approval to move forward with funding and development
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Unfortunately, the COVID-19 pandemic put these efforts on hold. Work resumed in 2022, with updated cost estimates and renewed focus. That same year, the Belmont Community Foundation was formed to support, advocate for, and help fund this vital project.
In 2024, the City launched Community Conversations to re-engage residents, ensuring that the final design reflects the most current needs and priorities of the community.
How We Make It Happen—Together
The cost of building a new community center is significant, but the impact it will have on Belmont is invaluable. Making this vision a reality will require a united effort from:
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City and county government
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Local businesses
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Community organizations
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Belmont residents like you
Funding will need to come from multiple sources, and it will take a collective push to bring this project to life.