METZNER CENTER EXAMPLE OF CITYWIDE RECREATION EFFORT

---NEWS RELEASE---

(September 26, 2007)--- Mayor Eddie A. Perez wants to build stronger communities by increasing the vibrancy in all of Hartford’s neighborhoods.  One way he is achieving this is to renovate our community centers and parks citywide.

Mayor Perez says, “The Metzner Center on Franklin Avenue in the South End is an excellent example of Hartford’s ongoing investment in its people and in its future so that all of our families can benefit for generations to come.”

Community leaders, residents, and elected officials all praise the renovation and construction.  There’s a game room, an arts and crafts area, classrooms, a community room and a daycare run by OPP.  Now organizations and individuals can come to this recreation center and share this positive experience at the same time.

The Metzner Center cost almost $4 million and the project came in on time and on budget.  Improvements can be seen in other neighborhoods as well:

1.       Pool Fencing at Pope Park and Goodwin Pools in the Frog Hollow and South End neighborhoods ($925,000)

2.       Pope Park Phase II--- removal of Pope Park Drive, a new parking lot, a new courtyard entrance.  The grand opening was on September 8^th.  ($1.8 million)

3.       Kelvin D. Anderson Recreation Center in Hartford’s Northeast neighborhood will become a new 33,500 square foot recreation center.  Bids are due on this $14 million project on October 11^th.

4.       Caribbean and American Resource Center in the Upper Albany community.  Renovations and an addition to the building were recently announced and are expected to be complete in January 2008.  ($450,000)

5.       Colt Park Renovation of Roberto Clemente Field in the Sheldon-Charter Oak neighborhood.  Construction begins in October of 2007 and ix expected to be complete in May of 2008.  ($200,000)

6.       Playground enhancements are being made to Bushnell Park in Downtown Hartford and Keney Waverly Playground in the Northeast.  These too are expected to start next month and be complete by May of 2008.  ($200,000)

7.       Blue Hills Recreation Center--- a study is being conducted for a new 7500 square foot recreation center ($3.8 million)

8.      Forster Heights Playground in the Southwest neighborhood--- park improvements, new pathways, new fields, and a new playground.  Details to be announced shortly.