A look inside the new community center

Ribbon-cutting,

By Nicole Zappone Town Times

More than 200 residents were in attendance Sunday, Feb. 5 for a ribbon-cutting and open house at the yet unfinished community center, formerly the Francis E. Korn Elementary School.

Durham First Selectman George Eames said it was wonderful to see so many residents come together to tour the property, and he made a point to say that the Korn Building Committee appreciated the positive feedback it heard from attendees.

Eames said this day was a long time coming.

In 2021 it appeared that the vacant building at 44 Pickett Lane was headed for demolition. However, after a successful petition drive, and a referendum vote, the Town of Durham moved to turn the former school into a multi-purpose community center.

Durham residents voted to take ownership of the building from the Region 13 School District, for $1, and approved drawing $1 million from the town’s Building Reserve Fund for the initial project costs.

Among the attendees at Sunday’s ribbon-cutting and open house was longtime local educator Ray Hubbard, who taught third grade at Korn; and Nancy Bihlmeyer, who has lived in Durham for more than 50 years, and recalled holding meetings at Korn as a Girl Scout leader.

Phase 1 of the community center project is complete,