Our non-profit community recreation organization welcomes all people, especially youth, to opportunities for enjoying and enriching their lives. We serve the people of Lebanon and the Upper Valley with skilled staff, quality programs, and excellent facilities.
The Carter Community Building Association (CCBA) established in 1919 is a 501(c) (3) Non-profit organization with a mission to deliver high quality services and programs accessible to all members of the upper valley community.
“…for the purpose of furnishing the young people of Lebanon (New Hampshire) a healthful and uplifting club life, following in its line of work that of the Y.M.C.A. and kindred institutions.”
We began our work in the Carter Community Building (CCB), a two-story brick structure donated by Lebanon philanthropists Mr. and Mrs. William S. Carter.
In keeping with the Carters’ vision, children have made it their home away from home for eight decades. Thousands of youngsters have come to play basketball, floor hockey, and dodge ball, enjoy table and board games, participate in scouting, bowling, practice gun safety, learn twirling, take ballet lessons, do homework, and more. Their parents have organized youth leagues, attended service club meetings, and held family and community celebrations in the building. In 1999 the Carter Community Building also became the home for our licensed Preschool Program as well as our licensed after school program for children K-2.
Another important person in CCBA history was Carl Witherell. He was an incredible business and civic leader in the Upper Valley. Carl was deeply involved in his communities in a number of ways throughout his life, which included being an active CCBA board member. Carl’s legacy of caring for his community lives on in the Witherell Recreation Center; the funds he left to our organization allowed us to build the first complete fitness facility in the area in 1987, and is named in his honor. The Witherell Recreation Center currently has an indoor lap swimming pool, hot tub, 4 fitness studios for group fitness classes, indoor cycling classes, a circuit training room, a free weight room, and is the location for many exciting programs for people of all ages.
In 1993, we constructed an outdoor park which features a children’s play structure and basketball and tennis courts. The park is open to the public at no charge.
The CCBA contributes substantially to the quality of life in Lebanon and the Upper Connecticut River Valley. At present, the Witherell Recreation Center has a membership of 2,200. One-third of the Center’s members are youngsters; one-tenth are seniors. We pride ourselves on being very welcoming to all people with different abilities. Every year hundreds of area residents are able to enjoy our free outdoor facilities while dozens of youngsters “drop-in” the CCB each day to enjoy its caring and fun environment.
The CCBA is a tax-exempt organization. Our operations are funded primarily from user fees. Endowment income enables us to provide discounted and free services. It is noteworthy that we receive no Federal, State, or municipal funding. Generous support from foundations, service clubs, businesses, and individuals has made it possible for us to construct and improve our facilities.