Feb. 27, 2026 Editor, The News-Gazette: As Rockbridge County considers the proposed community recreation center, I would like to address the primary arguments against it: debt and “need.”
Some view this as a luxury, but I believe we should view it through the lens of a family mortgage. Most families do not wait until they have the full purchase price in cash to buy a home; they take on a mortgage because the immediate benefit of a stable, healthy environment outweighs the long-term interest. We don’t view a home as “luxury debt” – it is an essential investment in a family’s future. The true worth of that home includes the interest paid for the decades of security and family benefits it provides. Our county is in a similar position in regard to the recreation center.
This center will be a vital utility for a demographic spectrum that includes all ages. It will deliver an auxiliary gym for the high school that has been on the books for years. Additionally, it will provide a reliable space for youth sports and RARO programs, adding a measure of independence from public school schedules. It will also serve working adults by offering wellness venues outside of work hours and provide active seniors a dedicated space to stay healthy and social during the weekday. Furthermore, the facility will provide essential office and meeting space for RARO.
Beyond the structure, this center will represent a commitment to the long-term physical and mental health of our residents. By providing a central hub for interaction, it will strengthen our social fabric and keep our citizens connected.
I urge the Board to continue to move this project forward. By maintaining sound oversight and utilizing funding mechanisms that avoid or minimize any additional tax burden, we can provide our citizens with a valuable space. It is a worthy investment in the “home” we all share. TONY SUBRIZI Rockbridge County
