Newport News, VA – The city of Newport News is exploring the possibilities of new sports and events intricacies, giving local residents the opportunity to share their thoughts.
A public forum at the Denby Community Centre on Thursday night gave community members the opportunity to express what they wanted to see at the proposed facility.
Carlos Garcia, a Newport News native and president of the Newport News Rugby Football Club, has expressed optimism about the potential development.
Watch: TCC enters intercollegiate athletic space
TCC announces intercollegiate athletic program
“It’s great to see some sports complexes develop here,” he said.
Garcia emphasized the importance of community involvement in the planning process.
“I think it provides a lot of opportunities for the community to get involved and outreach, community service and work,” he added.
There is a shortage of current facilities for local sports teams, such as rugby clubs. Garcia pointed out that the club has been based at Critenden Middle School for over 20 years.
“It would be nice to have an opportunity to invest in developing structures such as complexes,” he said.
Assistant City Manager Baukreyton emphasized that the project is still in the early stages of planning.
Watch: Williamsburg acquired a new sports facility in 2026
Williamsburg acquired a new sports facility in 2026
“We want to talk to the community, talk to the public and see what their needs and desires and desires are for facilities like this,” Clayton explained. “We start with that and they start with market analysis.”
Clayton showed that feedback from residents plays an important role in shaping the project in a thorough assessment of community needs.
Howard Gwyn, attorney for the Newport News Commonwealth, is working on the benefits of a sports complex for local youth.
“There’s nothing like that in the Newport news, so we’re catching up,” he said.
Watch: Sports Complex Building brings caps, wizards to Virginia
Sports Complex Bill brings capital and wizards to Virginia
He believes that such facilities can provide positive activities to young people and keep them away from negative influences.
“That’s very important. If we can focus our kids on positive and negative things, it’s even better,” Gwynn pointed out.
Garcia reflected these feelings and noted the lack of safe and sustained recreational spaces for young people in the community.
“They aren’t enough to go anywhere, and I think that definitely benefits the entire community,” he said.
Residents who want to provide feedback can click here.
