Building Belonging in Clarksburg: A Construction Update
When we created The Clarksburg Yard, our vision was to build a landmark of hospitality and community life. A place people could point to and say:
“That’s where I found friends. That’s where my kids grew up playing. That’s where neighbors came together. That’s where I experienced a sense of belonging that was different from anywhere else.”
Our Long-Term Vision
5 years: Families making memories in the play space and a thriving coffee shop drawing people into connection.
10 years: Strong partnerships with local organizations, neighbors building lasting friendships, and meaningful opportunities for youth and families.
20 years: The next generation of Clarksburg inheriting a place that has shaped their identity, their sense of belonging, and their investment in community life.
Over the past 20 years, Clarksburg has grown from 3,000 to more than 46,000 residents. But with this growth has come challenges: limited public gathering spaces, fewer opportunities for youth development, and residents often feeling disconnected from one another.
We believe that strengthening local connections and providing more opportunities for engagement can foster a more resilient, thriving community. That’s what The Clarksburg Yard is all about.
Where We Are Now
We’ve moved from dreaming and design into the early stages of implementation:
Phase 1 Funding Secured: We’ve raised about $400k for the first phase, which includes the outdoor spaces surrounding the future café and the café building itself.
Design & Permits:
Civil and engineering drawings are underway. Once complete, we’ll apply for permits for the outdoor area. Construction is projected to take 3-4 months once it begins, putting us on track to see the first outdoor space open by spring of next year.
The Café: To fully realize the café, we’re waiting on zoning changes at the county level. While this has pushed the timeline back, we anticipate progress toward a groundbreaking in Fall 2026- hopefully sooner. In the meantime, Clarksbrew has been serving up drinks at The Clarksburg Farmers Market and on Pop-Up Saturdays at The Yard.
What’s Next
While permits and zoning take shape, our work continues:
Expanding programming like farmers markets, yoga classes, festivals, trivia nights, and community walks.
Bringing back the Clarksbrew Coffee Cart this spring with regular weekly hours, helping us grow both a team and a customer base that will carry into the café.
Pursuing grants and new partnerships to strengthen momentum and widen impact.
The Heart of The Yard
Every step forward is a step toward our vision: a welcoming, inclusive space where neighbors connect, families grow, and community thrives. The timeline may stretch, but the vision hasn’t changed. The Clarksburg Yard exists to give Clarksburg a place to gather, belong, and build something lasting together.
