The Commons, an eight acre cultural and recreational center in Collegedale, will officially celebrate its grand opening and completion of phase one of construction on Sunday. This special event will also highlight the start of the holiday season with the ceremonial lighting of the town’s Christmas tree.
The achievement of phase one of The Commons involved the development of four of the center’s eight acres. The completion offers a shaded market area on 30,000 square feet of paved surface and a new 2,500 square-foot covered pavilion. Future phases allow for a sound stage, community center and proposed 11,000 square-foot event hall all scheduled for completion by 2021.
“The Commons is a testament to the unity and passion of the people of Collegedale to provide a beautiful structure for their community to grow and flourish," said the event's guest speaker, Congressman Chuck Fleischmann. "The facility will be a place for families, friends, and neighbors to create memories for years to come. I applaud city leaders and the community for their commitment and hard work over the years, and congratulate the entire Collegedale community on this accomplishment.”
The grand opening program will begin at 5 p.m. Special music for the evening will be provided by Jordan McKee Otis and the Southern Adventist University Orchestra. Collegedale Mayor Katie Lamb, County Commissioner Sabrena Smedley, County Mayor Jim Coppinger, Rep. Mike Carter, Collegedale Tomorrow Foundation Chairwoman Jill Moon and Executive Director David Barto will join Congressman Fleischmann in participation of the program prior to the city’s Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony at 6:30 p.m.
Sunday’s event is free and open to the public. Vendors and food trucks will be on site for the celebration. For more information, contact David Barto at 664-3022 or email david.barto@collegedale.foundation.