The City of Detroit marked the completion of a major renovation project with the reopening of the Coleman A. Young Recreation Center, named after the city's first Black mayor. An $11 million overhaul has breathed new life into the facility, which originally opened in 1980 but was repurposed as a COVID testing site during the pandemic. Closed since March 2020, the revitalization of the rec center includes a vast array of upgrades from new electric vehicle (EV) charging stations to improved gym and pool facilities, according to the City of Detroit.
"Residents have been very vocal about wanting to have the Coleman A. Young Recreation Center back since we put it to use as a COVID testing site five years ago," Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan told the City of Detroit's official news. He added that despite the time it took for renovations, he believes "residents will agree, when they see the beautiful improvements that it was worth the wait." City Councilman Coleman A. Young II expressed his pride in the rec center that honors his father, conveying that the facility is "filled with the spirit of my father and most importantly, the spirit of the people of Detroit."
Paying attention to both aesthetic and functional aspects, Gandol Inc. conducted the two-phase renovation project which consisted of much-needed repairs to the parking lot, the installation of modern facilities such as an elevator and an e-sports lounge, as well as essential updates to the building's HVAC system and safety controls. According to General Services Director Crystal Perkins, "The reopening of the Coleman Recreation Center is more than a return—it’s a renewal of our commitment to community, connection, and opportunity." Perkins emphasized the center’s role as a pivotal space for community gatherings and personal development, expressing excitement for its future impact, as stated by the City of Detroit.
With the center's doors now open, program scheduling is set in motion with drop-in activities starting May 12 and planned programs commencing the following week. The grand reopening event held on Saturday, May 10, witnessed more than 300 individuals securing a Detroit Recreation membership, an indicator of the community's eagerness to utilize the renewed facility. City Council President Mary Sheffield echoed the sentiment regarding the center's significance, saying, "This $11 million dollar transformation brings new life to a space that has long been a cornerstone for youth, families, and seniors in our city," as per the City of Detroit.
Financially backed by funds from the American Rescue Plan Act and unlimited Tax General Obligation bonds, the renovation of Coleman A. Young Recreation Center is just a part of a larger effort. This concludes the reopening of all 13 recreation centers in Detroit that were closed during the pandemic, with ongoing construction at another community center signaling continued investment in neighborhood amenities and public spaces. For details on programming and access to the Coleman A. Young Recreation Center, residents can visit the City of Detroit's website.
