NEW KINGSTON — The New Kingston Community Center Project, to be located in the basement of the New Kingston Presbyterian Church, has reached an important milestone as it enters its third phase of development, driven largely by grassroots support and volunteer effort.
The project has been funded primarily through generous donations from New Kingston Valley residents, both full-time and part-time, along with support from the MTC Birdsall Foundation, the Margaretville Rotary, and extensive volunteer labor provided by the New Kingston Valley Association (NKVA).
Phase One (exterior waterproofing) was completed some months ago. Phase Two (interior demolition) began a year ago with volunteers clearing out the basement and tearing down the walls. The demolition was completed on January 10, 2026 after volunteer Kev Bewersdorf took down the basement ceiling and 13 volunteers swooped in to remove the final construction debris from the site. Despite icy conditions and muddy terrain, NKVA volunteers worked enthusiastically —slip-sliding through mud and ice—to load demolition materials into a large dumpster, officially closing out the first two phases of the project.
“The energy and commitment of the volunteers was exhilarating to witness,” said Victor Lipko, a leading organizer of the project. “It truly reflects the spirit of this hamlet.”
Next Phase: Renovation of the Community Space
Phase Three will focus on the renovation of the main community space, including:
Insulation
Wall covering
Lighting improvements
Project leaders hope this phase will be completed in time to celebrate the annual NKVA Road Cleanup in April, marking the opening of a revitalized gathering space for the community.
Future Phases & Funding
The demolition and reconstruction of the kitchen, along with the creation of a new community office space, are planned as separate future projects and will require additional funding.
To support these efforts, grant applications are currently being prepared for organizations including:
The O’Connor Foundation
The Community Foundation of South Central New York
These grant efforts will complement the ongoing community fundraising campaign, which remains essential to completing the full vision of the New Kingston Community Center.
A Community-Built Space
The New Kingston Community Center is envisioned as a welcoming, flexible space for gatherings, programs, and shared activities—built by the community, for the community.
All those interested in contributing, volunteering, or learning more about the project can contact Annie Pevear, President of NKVA, at newkingstonvalleyassocation@gmail.com
Thirteen volunteers celebrate finishing the clean out of the basement--soon to be the New Kingston Community Center
Glen Faulkner brings up buckets of debris from the church basement
Kathleen Conkey stirs up dust while shoveling debris
Richard Seigel dumps debris. Photos by Dan Flanagan.
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