CAMPBELL — A simple conversation that occurred in 2015 morphed into something bigger than anyone that day could have realized.

Matt Bowen, Campbell City Schools superintendent, recalled that after a discussion with graduating seniors on Civics Day, the teens said there wasn’t much recreational space.

Bowen explained that for years, the district housed five gyms. But following the rebuilding of schools in 2002, the city only needed two gyms, according to a Ohio Schools Facility Commission study.

“What was the result? A lack of engagement and a lack of younger programs for our students,” Bowen said.

Talk of building a new gym evolved into building a space for the public library, Bowen said.

What came to be is the Community Literary Workforce and Cultural Center, anticipated to open in May.

“The student voice was the catalyst for the project,” Bowen said.

Addressing health, wellness, education and community outreach programs, Bowen said the CLWCC is putting focus on Campbell.

Also making the CLWCC unique, Bowen said, is funding for the project.

“This entire facility did not require any additional burden of tax to the local community,” Bowen said.

That was accomplished through multiple competitive grant opportunities and sources of funding, specifically support from the state. Bowen said dollars were set aside in the state capital budget by local representatives.

“This is receiving statewide recognition and attention right now because it really does create a whole child, whole family experience, addressing the many needs of the region all necessary to create a stronger economy,” Bowen said.

The superintendent noted that the district is proud to be part of something that will create job experience for youths and create revenue when parts of the facility are rented.

$14 MILLION

“It is truly a partnership and collaborative effort,” Bowen said, stating that multiple entities are involved in the CLWCC, with the Campbell school district and young people as the central link of the project.

Located on Community Circle near Campbell Middle School, the 70,000-square foot, $14 million facility will include a site for the public library as well as a gym, concession and cafe space, conference and event space and classrooms for the IMPACT Academy.

Teaming with multiple businesses in the community, Southwoods Health will provide health care. It will be located across the hall from the library, and the public will have access.

The health care provider will be able to assist students by creating “authentic experiences” for them, calling it a “pre-apprentice program,” Bowen said.

There will be open space that can be rented for an array of activities, including lectures, showers, birthdays and other types of gatherings, Bowen said.

The wellness center will be open to adults and the region at large through membership, Bowen said, adding that Campbell residents will receive a discount.

IMPACT ACADEMY

The CLWCC is a state-designated STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) school for grades 7-12, Bowen said.

“It’s not a program, but within the Campbell School district, we have the Northeastern Ohio IMPACT Academy,” he said.

The IMPACT Academy consists of local partnerships offering students STEM curriculum.

Reimbursment programs through the U.S. Department of Agriculture and Ohio Department of Education will ensure students will have access to food through the summer, Bowen said.

Located off state Route 616, the CLWCC was planned specifically for the facility, Bowen said.

“We are positioned well to where we could be very attractive” to businesses in Western Pennsylvania and economic development along U.S. Route 422, as well as infrastructure leading from downtown Youngstown,” Bowen said.

The decision to create a through-way or private drive were nixed, Bowen said. Instead, it was decided to force traffic from U.S. Route 422 and state Route 616, which will lead to increased traffic counts in the years to come as the center generates more buzz.

afox@tribtoday.com