Community center ‘like never before’ coming to Binghampton

MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Binghampton is one step closer to opening a new, state-of-the-art community center that a Memphis mayor has described as “a neighborhood hub like never before.”

Community members, city park employees, builders and project managers came together Monday for a “topping out ceremony” at what will soon be the new Lester Community Center in Binghampton.

City leaders say this $18 million project boasts amenities for people of all ages and will bring about a better Memphis for everyone.

“Today as we place the final beam, we’re not just completing a structure, we’re laying a foundation for the next chapter of this building’s life and investing in this community,” said Nick Walker, the City of Memphis Director of Parks. “This building will mark the sort of finishing touches on roughly $200 million worth of investment in the city, more than $100 million of that, in our parks and in our community centers.”

It’s big money spent with the hope of reaping big rewards for the neighborhood surrounding the center.

“This is going to be a great place for people to gather, connect, learn and grow,” Mayor Paul Young said. “There’s going to be a new gym, a fitness center, indoor walking track, a tech lab, a fitness room and multi-purpose rooms.”

Mayor Young has a personal connection to the area, having attended a nearby school.

“I actually went to high school in this community,” Young said. “(I) know this community very well.”

He told WREG that he believes that the new facility will help all generations come together to be active and strive for a better future.

“Investing in our Memphis neighborhoods is crucial as we work to build a safer, stronger (and) more connected Memphis for everyone,” Young said.

Mayor Young said he expects the grand opening to be sometime next year.

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