SEE PHOTOS FROM THE GRAND OPENING

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (November 12, 2016) – On land purchased for a dollar, the City of Little Rock has built a new community center that is bringing recreational and educational activities to residents of all ages, including youth-driven radio station. The West Central Community Center opens to the public today with a ribbon-cutting ceremony as well as tours, demonstrations and games.

“We are thrilled to be opening this new community center, which has been a dream for so many people for so long,” Parks and Recreation Director Truman Tolefree said. “From bean bag baseball to yoga, there really will be something for everyone at West Central.”

The new 23,000-square-foot space at 4521 John Barrow Road features an indoor multi-use basketball court, locker rooms, and a concessions area as well as a game room, a fitness room, and several classrooms.

Recreation for all ages will be offered at West Central Community Center, including youth sports, mentoring and after school programs, adult learning classes and senior citizen activities.

One of the community center’s new features is its radio station, KWCP Community Radio at LPFM 98.9. Programming will include youth radio shows produced by area students who will get to choose the topics and individuals to interview.

Through partnerships with several local schools, a variety of STEM-related programs will also be offered, including coding classes. 

The center was constructed on the site of the former Rosedale Optimist Club. The Optimists were key to the creation of the community center, selling the land to the City of Little Rock for $1 in 2004. There is a room in the new center dedicated to the Optimist Club.

The $6.4 million project was funded from the 3/8 cent sales tax adopted in 2011. Construction on the center began in April 2015.

The center is open from 8 a.m. – 9 p.m. Monday through Friday and from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday. Memberships are available for individuals, couples and families.

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