Work Begins on Community Center

Construction is underway on the first phase of the Downtown Community Center, which will include Anaheim’s first public gymnasium.

More than 300 people turned out for a ground-breaking ceremony Tuesday on the site at Philadelphia and Center streets, next to City Hall.

“The Community Center will bring new energy and enjoyment to the downtown area,” Mayor Tom Daly said. “In less than a year, we can look forward to a new senior center, convenient new meeting space and most anticipated by the kids of Anaheim, our first-ever city gym.”

The Community Center will house a number of services and recreational programs for residents. The center’s $8.5-million first phase, scheduled for completion next May, will also include human services offices, art gallery and workshop spaces, conference and meeting rooms, an assembly room and boxing facility.

Money for the project will come from a variety of sources, including redevelopment funds, grants, and park and recreation development fees.

The center is expected to serve more than 30,000 youngsters and 14,000 seniors each year.

The total cost of the community center is estimated at $15 million, city officials said.

A fund-raising effort, led by Anaheim Community Foundation, is now taking place to pay for furnishings and equipment for the first phase, said Mary Ann Terry, recreation services manager.

With the donations presented at Tuesday’s ceremony, the foundation’s fund-raising campaign will have reached 80% of its $500,000 goal.

So far, 18 private sector donors have pitched in to help, including a $125,000 contribution from the Walt Disney Foundation and Disneyland and $4,500 from Wescot 2000, a community group formed in the early 1990s to support the Disney expansion.

Donation information: (714) 254-5281.