Before it was built in Jackson, the Northampton County Cultural and Wellness Center had its naysayers. Now, more than a year later after its doors opened, there are still those who bellyache about the facility.

This has always puzzled me…especially when those naysayers are from Northampton County.

If you’ve gotten a chance to visit or simply ride by the Cultural and Wellness Center you know it’s certainly a sight to behold.

The facility was designed to house an array of recreational activities and host community events. And since it opened the center has done just that.

The Cultural and Wellness Center has provided space for meetings and banquets, including those for Golden LEAF, Cooperative Extension, the Northampton County Chamber of Commerce and other events, both for public and private uses.

Many large events for the public have been held at the center, including the Northampton County Farm Festival, Community Arts Day (which will be held there again on Oct. 30) and most recently the Circus; and the list could go on and fill up this column.

On top of hosting events for everyone, the center also houses the Office on Aging along with the Recreation Department. Thousands come to utilize the recreational fields and exercise equipment.

It is obvious the facility is living up to and beyond what it was intended for.

And yet I still hear the occasional negative comment about the center. While I’m sure these naysayers are in the minority, it’s a little disappointing to hear it from Northampton citizens.

After all, here you have a beautiful, state-of-the-art facility readily available for you and your family…not to mention it’s in your county.

I’ve pretty much heard it all from a couple of naysayers, from complaints of where the facility is located (which seems convenient to me, smack-dab in the middle of the county in Jackson) to how much it cost to construct the center (do they build these types of facilities for free now?).

The former notion has roots that taxpayers’ money was used to build the facility…which of course it did. Just like any service in the county, it cost money.

But when it boils down to it, you, as a Northampton County citizen, are letting your money go to waste if you don’t use the Cultural and Wellness Center.

Why not stop by and take a stroll on the walking trail or play a game of basketball with a group of friends rather than working up a sweat complaining about it.

Amanda VanDerBroek is a Staff Writer for the Roanoke-Chowan News-Herald. For comments and column suggestions email: amanda.vanderbroek@r-cnews.com or call (252) 332-7209.