Spring Valley hosted the city’s National Night Out celebration Tuesday with family activities, bounce houses and, of course, Walmart Distribution presented the city with a $15,000 donation to help fund its community center project.
Spring Valley officials said the city is working hard to improve its downtown area, including adding a community center that welcomes all residents to come together and support each other.
That donation will go toward the downtown plans, as Spring Valley hopes to see other local businesses and citizens come together to help the city with fundraising efforts for the project.
Mayor Melanie Malooley Thompson said Spring Valley has also started a grant application to try to raise funds for the project along with donations from organizations and interested individuals.
“Because of the generosity of Walmart, we are able to start our campaign to generate funding for this community center,” Malooley Thompson said. “We are very grateful for their donation of $15,000.”
For Walmart Distribution, the decision to help support this project and the community it calls home was an easy one, according to Assistant General Manager Nick Guerrini.
“This is a big deal for Spring Valley,” Guerrini said. “There are many of us who grew up here and worked there. To give back to the community and have programs for the kids in the community, where our own kids are growing up, is pretty important to us.”
Spring Valley’s plan for the community center is multifaceted, according to Malooley Thompson.
The location would like to host community events for the public to attend, offer youth activities and programs, and also provide a space for adults to gather.
Other plans for the project could include fitness classes for adults and children, as well as programs on the importance of nutrition and wellness.
The community center would also like to be able to offer cooking classes, art, music, yoga and dance opportunities to anyone who is interested.
“We believe that having a positive environment available for people to feel a connection to their community is essential to the continued growth and success of Spring Valley,” added Malooley Thompson.
While the city awaits confirmation of the grant it has applied for, it is excited to begin its fundraising campaign to create a space that residents and visitors can be proud of for years to come.
