Mountain Home Mayor Hillrey Adams was honored during a ceremony Thursday celebrating the completion and success of the Mountain Home Community Center. The event, held in the new facility, included a surprise presentation thanking the mayor for his leadership and dedication to the project.
The ceremony, hosted by The Gregory Company, featured remarks from local officials, community members, and project leaders. Lead contractor Will Gregory unveiled two plaques during the event. One commemorated the official completion of the Community Center, while the second, unbeknownst to Adams, was dedicated to him personally.
The inscription on the plaque reads: “True leadership is the ability to translate a vision into reality. In honor of Mayor Hillrey Adams for his vision, leadership, and tireless effort to the Mountain Home Community Center—a reality to all who enter its doors.”
Gregory emphasized the critical role of Mayor Adams, along with the community and city council, in making the project a success. “This facility is the product of many hands working together,” Gregory said as he reflected on the collective effort.
In addition to the plaque presentation, Mountain Home Parks and Recreation Director Daniel Baxley reported on the center’s early milestones. He announced that pool concessions had generated $24,485 in just two months and that membership numbers had exceeded expectations, with 7,009 primary members enrolled. The results highlight the facility’s rapid adoption and popularity among the community.
Attorney Rogers Morgan delivered a pre-recorded video message during the event, and contributions were also made by Lori and Will Gregory and their sons, Chance and Banks Gregory. Chance Gregory remarked on the collaborative effort that brought the project to fruition, emphasizing that the community’s support was instrumental.
Mayor Adams expressed his gratitude for the recognition and shared his reflections on the project. “I’ve learned something every single day during this process,” he said, noting the challenges and rewards of overseeing such a significant undertaking.
The Mountain Home Community Center, which officially opened earlier this year, has become a focal point for the city. It offers recreational and event spaces for residents and serves as a testament to the teamwork and vision of those involved in its creation.