Contact Information:

Meg Matthews

Public Relations Manager

mmatthews@littlerock.gov

(501) 804-4822

Media Advisory

What: Ottenheimer Community Center Dedication

When: Saturday, August 25, 2012-10:30 AM

Where: Ottenheimer Community Center Dedication

     7201 Dahlia Drive

A place for recreation. A place for therapy for some of Little Rock’s most vulnerable residents. A place for all residents to gather and enjoy their community. This place is the new Ottenheimer Community Center. A dedication and day long celebration will begin at 10:30 a.m. this Saturday.

Cline Construction Group was selected in late 2010 to rebuild the Ottenheimer Community Center. The new building, contracted by Little Rock Parks and Recreation Department and designed by Heiple+Wiedower Architects, replaces the original Ottenheimer Community Center destroyed by fire in August of 2008.   

This 3,500 square foot building includes spaces for recreational, therapeutic, computer and cooking use by the community.  Exposed heavy timber construction and a unique roof profile make this building a showcase property of the City.  This $600,000 structure was designed with sustainable building principles in mind such as the use of regional materials and energy saving construction applications and technology. 

The Ottenheimer Community Center will be the home of the City of Little Rock’s Therapeutic Recreation Division. Therapeutic Recreation is a purposeful intervention designed to bring about positive emotional, social, physical or cognitive changes in individuals with disabilities. This amazing program utilizes trained staff, adapted equipment and community based activities to provide activities that enhance a participant’s ability to enjoy recreation and promote healthy, independent lifestyles.

Participants in the Therapeutic Recreation Program and key City Staff members will be on hand to help celebrate the Grand Opening on Saturday.