A new childcare and community center set to open later this year on Main Street will be a valuable addition to the ever-improving downtown area.

A local couple, Bo Harris and Liz Fountain, plan open Clark County Child Development Center by the end of the year. They will operate a daycare from the facility during the day but open the location as a community center after hours.

The facility will be located in the former Thoroughbred Gymnastics on North Main Street, and work on the facility is already underway.

While the community boasts many quality daycares, adding another option will be great for parents. Most importantly, the community center aspect of the project is something sorely needed in our community.

The couple has been involved in community-minded endeavors already, with Fountain already operating a successful daycare, and Harris offering various athletics programs throughout the year with Harris Hoops.

With this new larger space, the two hope to continue filling a void of youth activities in our community.

The goal is to be part of the solution of providing positive experiences for youth in the community.

For its community center aspect, Fountain said C3DC plans to eventually offer after hour classes such as fitness classes, culinary classes and gym time for adults as well as teens.

The center would also offer Harris Hoops developmental classes and other youth development leagues with plans to provide a mentor program in the future.

The downtown area continues to attract new and exciting business ventures. This community center will be a great addition, especially on North Main Street where an arts district is continuing to bloom.

Creating a positive atmosphere where the community can come together to focus on education, physical fitness and growth will be a great asset to the community. We are eager to see how the facility will continue to evolve to meet the community’s needs.