Youth Academy Celebrates

Its Grand Opening

By Kendra Bobowick

“Behind each accomplishment there is a story,” began Peter D’Amico as he stood Saturday, November 1, before the front doors of the 86,000-square-foot Newtown Youth Academy (NYA) that he built on his vision to give something to his community, its youth, and its families.

The first fully functional business to establish itself on the former state hospital grounds at Fairfield Hills, which the municipality is working to revitalize, the academy is Mr D’Amico’s accomplishment with a story that starts in Italy in the 1930s. Those gathered Saturday for a ribbon cutting ceremony before touring the café, courts, turf field, and fitness center inside first listened as Mr D’Amico shared some of his story.

“There was a little girl in Italy who wanted to continue her education, but the family couldn’t afford it,” he said. Instead, she helped the family farm and work, and as she grew up she was determined to give her own children opportunities.

She married, and in the 1960s she and her husband sold everything they had.

“They brought their family to America; they came to the land of opportunity,” Mr D’Amico said. They learned the language, worked hard, and raised a family.

“As they saw their children grow and prosper they realized they had achieved their dream. That girl,” Mr D’Amico shared, “was my mother. She gave us the ability to dream and to see that anything is possible.”

With the two-story youth academy behind him, and a thick red ribbon waiting for him to cut, Mr D’Amico continued his tale.

“I have been fortunate enough to live the American dream and give back to my community.” Nodding at the help and support of his family and all the professionals involved in making the youth academy a brick and stone construction now casting its shadow across Fairfield Hills, he acknowledged the accomplishment. With the town slowly making its way toward relocating education and municipal offices and securing business tenants for reusable buildings, Mr D’Amico said, “We did this as the first major project in Fairfield Hills. I am blessed to do something like this.”

Remembering his mother, he said, “We all need to give our time and talents to our community.”

“Pursue your dreams; encourage and inspire one another,” he said in conclusion. The community needs it, and the country needs it, he said.

Also speaking on Saturday were others who recognized the importance of Mr D’Amico’s dream. Claris Construction architect Phil Clark admitted that the building “went fast.”

“As a resident, I am proud and happy to be a part of this project,” he said. Regarding Mr D’Amico, he continued, “For him to come up with this vision and have it built and fund it himself gives me hope that there are people who will do something like this.”

Next to speak was academy director Keith Miller, who also talked about the building that had once only been a part of Mr D’Amico’s imagination.

“This building only existed in his mind for a long time. I am glad to share this day with him,” he said. “We owe gratitude to a man whose vision will enhance our lives for years to come.” Describing what the academy staff hopes to see, Mr Miller said, “The complex provides the space where people of all ages can train, play, and exercise in a comfortable environment.”

Again mentioning Mr D’Amico’s dream, and hopes as “sometimes difficult to attain,” Mr Miller said, “But we had before us a powerful mission. [Mr D’Amico’s] dream became our own.”

Board of Directors member Nancy Anderson looked ahead with her comments.

“This dream won’t stop at this building. It will extend into the community,” she said, “One man’s dream can become many dreams.”

Before taking the scissors and slicing away the ribbon stretched across the academy’s entrance, Mr D’Amico looked toward his sons, their families, his wife Marie, and to the crews, foremen, site managers, town officials, architects, and the entire team that made his vision a success.

Since February, Mr D’Amico has put his money and effort into building the sports and fitness complex that is the first fully functional business to open on the Fairfield Hills campus — more than 180 acres of former state hospital land and buildings that the town purchased from the state and is working to revitalize with commercial and municipal activity.

Moments before slicing through the ribbon, Mr D’Amico and his brother Sal shared a brisk hug and turned to face the building. As the scissors cut through the red ribbon, its halves fluttering to the ground, the gathered crowd stepped inside where the staff welcomed the invited officials and public.

Regular programming and memberships will begin midmonth. Visit NewtownYouthAcademy.org for details, or send an email to Ken Good, manager of program development and personnel, at kgood@newtownyouthacademy.org.

Mr D’Amico also expressed his gratitude to residents “who have served in conflicts around the world,” and will provide free lifetime memberships to the fitness center to veterans of foreign wars.