Contact Information:

Meg Matthews

Public Relations Manager

mmatthews@littlerock.gov

(501) 804-4822

Media Advisory

What: The Centre at University Park Ground Breaking Ceremony

When: Monday, August 20, 2012 – 11:00 a.m.

Where: 6401 West Leisure Lane – Just off 12^th Street

A new future and a new name will be unveiled Monday as the ground is broken for Little Rock’s new Community Center in the University Park neighborhood. Formerly known as the Adult Leisure Center, the Centre at University Park will be a modern and useful replacement for the building that burned down in 2009.

“Of course we are forever grateful that no one was hurt in the fire,” said Parks and Recreation Director Truman Tolefree. “However, it was quite a tragedy for this neighborhood and all the residents of Little Rock to lose that Community Center. It was the location for so many activities. This new Center is sure to be just as popular and will be available for groups to meet, families to celebrate special occasions and many, many other events.”

The original Center was built in 1991. Fire swept through the building in October of 2009. It was started by an electrical short in the kitchen.

The new Center will be approximately 15,000 square feet, with a larger ball room, meeting rooms, webinar room, pottery and crafts room. The center will cost approximately $3,000,000 and will be funded by insurance proceeds and recently passed tax measure. The construction time is expected to be eight months.