Council to Vote on Community Center

The City Council is expected to vote today on the first phase of a proposed $8.3-million downtown community center that would house Anaheim’s first public gymnasium along with a senior citizens center, a boxing club and human services offices.

“It will bring a lot of activity to the downtown, which is needed to make it a more dynamic place,” Community Services Director Christopher K. Jarvi said.

The proposed 42,000-square-foot community center on Philadelphia and Center streets, next to the City Hall parking structure, also would include an exercise facility, art gallery and workshop space and meeting rooms.

Anaheim’s existing senior center and Washington Community Center would be moved from Lincoln Avenue near Anaheim Boulevard to the new community center.

Long-term plans call for senior housing at the existing senior center site and a neighborhood park at the Washington Community Center.

Cost of the first phase would be paid with federal block grant money, redevelopment money, an Orange County park grant and private fund-raising revenue, said Andy Agle, project manager for the city’s redevelopment agency.

The nonprofit Anaheim Community Foundation will kick off a fund-raising drive at today’s council meeting to raise at least $500,000 for furnishings, equipment and fixtures for the community center.

Future phases proposed for the community center are a new Anaheim Boys and Girls Club, an Anaheim YMCA and a cultural arts theater.

The council meeting begins at 5 p.m. in council chambers, 200 S. Anaheim Blvd. Information: (714) 254-5166.