Community Breaks Ground On New Avondale Youth & Family Development Center

  • Friday, January 5, 2018
Groundbreaking was held at the new Avondale Youth and Family Development Center Thursday morning
Groundbreaking was held at the new Avondale Youth and Family Development Center Thursday morning

City and county leaders as well as community members broke ground Thursday on the new Avondale Youth and Family Development Center, which will provide recreation and learning opportunities while helping revitalize the area. Dozens of Avondale youth attended the groundbreaking alongside neighborhood leaders and city of Chattanooga and Hamilton County officials. 

With the current center dating back to 1949, the new $6 million facility represents a significant investment, which was years in the making, said officials. 

“This is an investment in the people of Avondale," said Chattanooga Mayor Andy Berke to guests at the center on Thursday. "We know that when we invest in people, Chattanooga will be better off in the long run. Because of your talent, somewhere down the line you're going to make our city an even better place.”  

The new center will be nearly double in size and include a full gym with bleachers, a softball field, and an improved outdoor basketball court as well as a full-size kitchen, multipurpose room, and learning labs. 

“Take advantage of every opportunity that comes through this center,” Councilman Anthony Byrd told youth at Thursday’s groundbreaking. “This investment that we’re doing for you all, we want to see you be very successful. We want to see you have all the dreams, all the things that you could ever want.” 

At the groundbreaking, Aaron Crowder, who is a student at McCallie, told the group about his experience at the Avondale YFD Center, the impact it’s had on his life, and his outlook for the new facility. 

“This is a new beginning for all of us and all of you too," said Aaron. "You’re going to see that we’re going to grow up, and then our kids are going to be here and then their kids. We can inspire our friends, and then our friends can inspire more, and that’s when the whole community is going to be inspired. I think that this is home basically. Home. An opportunity.” 

Plans for the new center were created through input from youth like Aaron as well as neighborhood residents and community leaders who attended multiple public design meetings over the last year. 

“We took your input," said Mr. Berke. "We listened to what was important to you, and we are building a center that incorporates your ideas into the design. Now, we're going to have a new center that's designed specifically for your neighborhood. With this center being built, we're going to see more of our mission being realized - to break down the barriers that prevent people from living the life they want in our community.”

Happenings
Soddy Daisy Independence Day Celebration Set For Saturday
  • 7/3/2025

On Saturday, families, friends, and neighbors are invited to enjoy live entertainment featuring four spectacular acts, a variety of games for all ages, a special Kidzone for children 14 and under, ... more

ITG To Host Exhibit Of Metal Sculpture By Denice Bizot In July
ITG To Host Exhibit Of Metal Sculpture By Denice Bizot In July
  • 7/3/2025

In-Town Gallery presents Flip Flop Flutter, a collection of new artwork by sculptor Denice Bizot through July 31. A reception will be held on Friday, July 11 from 5-8 p.m. Officials saic, ... more

ArtsBuild Invites Community To Presentation Of Performing Arts Center Feasibility Study Findings
ArtsBuild Invites Community To Presentation Of Performing Arts Center Feasibility Study Findings
  • 7/3/2025

ArtsBuild invites the Chattanooga community to join them for a presentation and conversation about the findings of the Feasibility Study: Needs Assessment, exploring the current performing arts ... more