The Bradfield Community Center has big growth plans.
The Bradfield Community Association formed in 1938 o provide recreational opportunities for Lima’s Black community, who otherwise had no access to programs and activities that encouraged personal development and growth. The current building at the corner of Collett Street and North Shore Drive opened in 1949. Bradfield's new CEO, Chris Jackson, told us that he is actively looking for ways to bring more people of all colors and ages to the Bradfield Center, especially youth. He used state grant dollars to refurbish the outdoor basketball courts and put air conditioning and heat in the gym, which had never had it before. He has also visited other community centers around the region to see what programs and services they offer. He came back with all kinds of ideas, but realized that the building isn't big enough to accommodate large growth. "Over the next five years, my goal is not only to expand Bradfield in its current location, but to add to it. We're looking at the building next door and other buildings around us. We want to get Bradfield back to when people drive by, the parking lot is full, there's kids on the basketball court, kids on the playground area. We want Bradfield to be the hub." Chris told us that to watch for a big announcement from Bradfield Center in the next few weeks, and he encouraged us to get involved and help Bradfield Center grow.
Also at Monday's meeting, we gave the proceeds of last quarter's Rottery drawings totaling $681 to the ARC of Allen County. Thank you for your generosity!
