Hanover County unveils Montpelier Recreation Center and Library

HANOVER COUNTY, Va. (WRIC) -- Hanover County leaders and residents celebrated the grand opening of a new recreation center and library on Wednesday. A ribbon-cutting ceremony was held on Wednesday, Oct. 16 to celebrate the opening of the Montpelier Recreation Center and Library, located at 15302 Clazemont Road in Hanover County. According to a spokesperson for Hanover County, the 20,000-square-foot facility is the county's first purpose-built recreation center, which features a full-size gymnasium and a significantly expanded Pamunkey Regional Library branch. A ribbon cutting ceremony was held on Wednesday, Oct. 16 to celebrate the opening of the Montpelier Recreation Center and Library in Hanover County. (Photo courtesy: Hanover County)(Photo courtesy: Hanover County)(Photo courtesy: Hanover County) According to the spokesperson, the gym will accommodate a range of activities and programs, including fitness classes, basketball, pickleball and volleyball, as well as drop-in play during unscheduled hours. The new library, which is reported to be three times larger than the previous branch, offers enhanced amenities, including classrooms, meeting spaces, study rooms and a children's area. "We are absolutely thrilled to begin a new chapter in this bright, welcoming and spacious library," said Barbara Young, chair of the Pamunkey Regional Library Board. "With its expanded resources and vibrant spaces, it will serve the western Hanover community for many years to come." The facility also features a stage for community meetings, movies and other entertainment provided by Hanover Parks and Recreation. According to the spokesperson, the final phase of the project focused on the reconstruction of the adjacent Wickham Field is expected to be completed in early 2025, with the lighted field to be used for baseball and softball. “This new center is a testament to what can happen when we come together with a vision, some patience and a lot of teamwork,” County Administrator John A. Budesky said. “The design gives a nod to our rural roots while bringing a modern space for learning, gathering and playing into the heart of our community.”