City breaks ground on Charles Black Recreation Center renovation project

SOUTH BEND, Ind. -- Thursday afternoon the city celebrated the renovation project with a groundbreaking. They hope by this time next year they’ll be cutting the ribbon for the grand opening.

“It’s just a great investment in the people it just shows that the city cares and that they are taking the time to invest in the people so we can have some better outcomes in the city,” says Cynthia Taylor, director of the Charles Black Recreation Center.

At $4 million, it’s the biggest parks projects to date and is funded with TIF dollars.

“That kind of investment is needed. I know it’s a lot of money but we think it’s going to pay back in terms of health safety economic development. It makes this community a better place to be,” says Mayor Pete Buttigieg.

The building will be fifty percent larger and will feature three new basketball courts, a music studio and a bike shop!

“Every single thing that we are doing here is the result of a hope or a dream of the users of this center that’s what makes it such a strong project and that’s why we’re so proud of it,” says Aaron Perri, Executive Director of Venues Parks & Arts.

It’s a dream project for the community, designed by the community.

“As far as my father, I think he would be over joyed. Anytime he could help and give back, that’s what he was all about,” says Jacques Neal, daughter of Charles Black.

In the meantime the center won’t miss a beat. They’ll be working their programs out of several local schools until the renovations are finished next year.

To keep up with the progress, click here.