Claremont Savings Bank - We're with you

Dec 15, 2011 -  Claremont Savings Bank (CSB) is pleased to announce that it has awarded a check for $3 million to the City of Claremont to help kick-off the development of a new 50,000-square-foot Community Recreation Center in downtown Claremont.

“We’re so thrilled that we were able to support this tremendous initiative which benefits the community we have lived and worked in for over 100 years,” said Sherwood Moody, President and CEO of Claremont Savings Bank.

After trying to salvage the current community center facilities which are approaching 70 years old, the City of Claremont and the Claremont Parks and Recreation Department were faced with a tough decision – keep the deteriorating facilities open or begin mapping out a plan, and rally community support, to build a new one.

Although various sites around the community were considered for the new facility, Claremont Savings Bank again stepped in and donated a tract of land next door to their Broad Street location.

“A contribution from an institution like what we received from Claremont Savings Bank is unheard of with a project such as ours,” said Scott Hausler, Claremont Parks and Recreation Director. “Contributions at this level are usually seen in large metropolitan communities. This just goes to show what an investment CSB was willing to make in its own community.”

Through the donation, the $9 million project, expected to open at the end of 2012, will include a larger pool, with a smaller therapeutic pool, two separate sports courts (volleyball, basketball, etc.), elevated walking/jogging track, cardio fitness area, multi-function community room or class room, portable seating for large functions, teen room, locker rooms and family changing areas. The new center would replace the Goodwin Community Center, the indoor pool and the Zotto gym.

“This is a huge win for the entire community,” said Guy Santagate, City Manager of the City of Claremont. “It will change the face of Claremont in a way we couldn’t envision a few years ago, and it’s in large part, thanks to the generation donations from CSB that this project was even possible.”