The long-awaited Lakeland Community Center project will reach another milestone Thursday, Oct. 8, when residents will have an opportunity to leave their mark on the new facility.
The City of Lakeland and the YMCA of Memphis & the Mid-South will host a beam-signing ceremony from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Residents attending the event will be invited to sign a structural beam that will eventually become part of the new community center.
The project has been years in the making, evolving from early discussions about replacing Lakeland’s aging community center into plans for a significantly larger recreation and community facility through a partnership between the city and the YMCA.
The approximately 45,000-square-foot facility is expected to feature a gymnasium, childcare center, fitness areas and locker rooms, as well as an aquatic center and outdoor recreation and gathering spaces.
Lakeland Mayor Josh Roman said the partnership with the YMCA will bring a variety of recreational and community programs to the city.
“Partnering with the YMCA brings world-class recreation, youth sports, senior programming, and a long-awaited gathering space like the pool and splash zone directly to Lakeland,” Roman said. “I’m thrilled for our October 8th beam signing, where residents of all ages can leave their mark on history and meet directly with the YMCA team on site to ask questions and see our vision firsthand.”
The beam-signing ceremony will give residents an opportunity to participate in the project as construction progresses and provide a closer look at the future community center.
The construction site can be accessed from Huff N’ Puff Road, with designated parking available nearby.
