Councilwoman Marti Emerald speaks at a press conference announcing a state grant to renovate a building in City Heights, Aug. 3, 2015. | Photo Credit: Matt Bowler
By Matt Bowler
A major step toward providing a new recreation center in economically disadvantaged City Heights was taken Monday when city officials announced a $3.1 million state grant will be used to renovate the vacant Copley YMCA building.
The funding from the state Department of Housing and Community Development comes on top of funding last year that will pay for construction of a skate park at the site — Park De La Cruz on Landis Street.
The YMCA vacated the building earlier this year when the Copley-Price Family YMCA opened nearby.
“The community center, along with the skate park, will deliver quality resources and services to City Heights and will encourage everyone to come out and enjoy our park and community center as one community,” said Councilwoman Marti Emerald, who represents the area.
City Parks and Recreation Director Herman Parker said once the work is complete, the gymnasium will reopen for public use. Recreational opportunities will also be made available to seniors, veterans and people with disabilities.
While portions of the center will be opened to the public this fall, the renovation project will last about two years, according to the mayor’s office.