Sunday, January 06, 2008
Christiansburg had a productive year
New River Forum
Reflecting on 2007, one finds that the town of Christiansburg had a very productive year. There were many highlights.
In March, the town appointed a new chief of police. Mark Sisson, a former Marine who had 12 years' service with the Christiansburg Police Department, replaced retiring Chief Gary Brumfield.
The Hardrader Sports Complex, which is operated by the Parks and Recreation Department and is located behind the new Christiansburg Middle School, opened last year. The center consists of three baseball/softball fields, a walking trail, playground, tennis courts and soccer fields.
All levels of baseball/softball were played at the complex during the year. The State Dixie League Tournament was held there in July. Plans are being made for four state tournaments and weekly local tournaments this year.
All of the tournaments have a favorable economic impact for the town.
New scoreboards will be added this year.
Meanwhile, downtown revitalization continued. New sidewalks, trees, antique light poles and a new antique clock were installed on Main Street, while parking meters were eliminated. The street will be repaved in the spring.
To help celebrate the new look on Main, a grand reopening will be held on June 14. It will include a 5k road race/fun run, display of vintage cars, music and food vendors.
For shoppers, the New River Valley Center, located next to the mall, opened this fall. The additions include Best Buy, Old Navy, Bed, Bath & Beyond, Staples, Pet Smart, Shoe Carnival and Panera Bread. An Olive Garden will open there this month.
In addition, the New River Community College moved and enlarged its Christiansburg campus at the mall.
Formal construction of the new aquatic center began in 2007. It will be one of four 50-meter pools in Virginia and one of the finest aquatic centers in the South. The planned completion date is early 2009.
Construction of Phase II of the skateboard park also began as part of the aquatic center complex.
Finally, the town council approved a new, updated Web site for the town. The site will provide current and detailed information concerning town activities and should be up by the middle of 2008.
By the numbers, the town was busy in 2007:
> Garbage picked up: 11.625 tons.
> Containers recycled: 158,280 pounds.
> Paper recycled: 441,860 pounds.
> Total recycling: 600,140 pounds.
> Fire department: 364 calls answered.
> Rescue squad: 1,879 calls answered.
> Parks and recreation activities: 32,707 participants.
> Water consumption: 452,457,295 gallons.
2008 promises to be just as productive for the town.
Elections for three members of the council on the first Tuesday in May; the grand reopening of Main Street on June 14; Cruisin' Cars displays on May 17, July 12 and Aug. 16; and the completion of the aquatic center in December are all dates to remember.
Steve Huppert is a member of the Christiansburg Town Council.
