The following news release has been issued by the MPRB:
East Phillips Park Cultural And Community Center Opens Its Doors
A six-year dream will become a reality when the East Phillips Park Cultural and Community Center (EPPCCC) opens its doors to the public on Monday, Feb. 28. A sneak peak of the building on Jan. 22 drew in hundreds of visitors from community members to state legislators hoping to get a glimpse of the new recreation center.
“The East Phillips Park Cultural and Community Center’s open house in January demonstrated the support and interest for the project in the East Phillips community,” said Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board (MPRB) Commissioner Scott Vreeland. “The opening of the center provides a beautiful space for community members of all ages and cultures to share. I’m very grateful to all who helped this project become a success.”
The newest addition to the MPRB’s community centers, located at 2307 17th Ave. S., is also the most energy efficient and features a high school-sized gymnasium and adjacent kitchenette, two multipurpose rooms, a computer lab and a teen space. The building will be open from 1 – 9 p.m., Monday through Friday and 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. Saturdays.
The gymnasium, which is the size of a high-school gym, includes a basketball court and bleachers. The gym will be open for public use during scheduled open gym times, for scheduled EPPCCC programs and can be rented to community groups and individuals. Open gym times will be announced in conjunction with spring programming, slated to begin in April. The adjacent kitchenette features a refrigerator, freezer, microwave and dishwasher.
The Bloomington and Cedar multipurpose rooms can be used for meetings and classes. The rooms have tables, chairs, a sink and a room divider to create a larger space when needed.
Teens looking for a place to hang out will find fun and friends in the teen space. The room offers a television and gaming system, computers and a foosball table during building hours.
Young and old alike can browse the internet or brush up on their computer skills with the eight computers available in the EPPCCC computer lab, open during building hours.
When not in use for EPPCCC programs, the gymnasium, kitchenette and meeting rooms are available for reservation. Facility rental information, including rental forms, procedures and policies, is available at the EPPCCC or by calling 612-370-4888.
A variety of programming will be available at the center. Spring program information will be available March 1 with registration starting March 7, and spring programs beginning in April. Individuals and families are encouraged to register for activities, programs and sports and can do so online or by filling out forms available at EPPCCC or at http://www.activenet.com/minneapolisparks, the MPRB’s online registration system. Prior to the spring programming launch in April, EPCCC will offer limited activities in March, including arts and crafts, after school gym activities and teen center activities.
The EPPCCC project, which included site improvements as well as the new building, has been funded by the state legislature ($3.5 million), the MPRB’s 2008 Capital Improvement Program ($319,000), the East Phillips Improvement Coalition NRP funding ($180,000 plus $50,000 for fundraising and consulting), Midtown Phillips Neighborhood Association ($5,000), Toyota Environmental Funds ($100,000), the Marbrook Foundation ($10,000), the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development ($300,000) and Hennepin County Environmental Response Fund ($271,328).