Wayne Co. To Break Ground On New Rec Center
With an eye on offering a safe and positive environment for teens, a new recreation center will be built in Dearborn Heights.
Wayne County EDGE, in partnership with H.Y.P.E. Athletics and Zaman International, will break ground on the 110,000 square foot youth recreation center on Tuesday, Nov. 30 at 2 pm. Officials say this "state-of-the-art" facility will serve as the first for H.Y.P.E., furthering the organization's mission of providing youth with outlets and environments free from drugs and violence.
"No community in Wayne County has been immune to Michigan's struggling economy," stated Wayne County Executive Bob Ficano.
"We're confident this collaborative partnership and investment will not only develop, but instill the right skills, knowledge and abilities in our youth needed to carry our communities into the future," Ficano said.
County officials say the center will offer a number of community resources and amenities including five basketball and volleyball courts, an indoor batting cages, a 7,000 square-foot weight room, and an indoor track.
The center will also host a computer resource center, vocational classrooms, senior wellness center, food bank, clothing resale shop, locker rooms, a health café and conference center.
"For the past 15 years, our Hope for Humanity programs have been designed to meet the basic needs of marginalized mothers, children and seniors," said founding chair and president, Najah Bazzy. "The collaboration allows us to look at the "whole person or family," and work to rebuild the physical and social aspects necessary to move beyond poverty and marginalization."
Wayne County will attribute nearly $7 million through NSP funds to the development of the center.
