New Avondale Youth And Family Development Center Opens To The Community On Saturday

Chattanooga Mayor Andy Berke, District 8 Councilman Anthony Byrd, and the Department of Youth and Family Development invites the public to celebrate the grand opening of the new Avondale YFD Center on Saturday. 

The celebration will include an afternoon of activities for community members of all ages -- from basketball games to arts and crafts, and even a vendor fair where families can learn more about home repair resources, healthcare enrollment, the upcoming U.S.

Census, voter registration, and vital city services. 

“Over the last few months, I’ve talked a lot about how East Chattanooga is rising, which is a variety of projects, including the redevelopment of the Harriet Tubman homes site and the surrounding area, to make this part of our city stronger and safer for all of the people who live, work, and worship here,” Mayor Berke said. “For years, a big part of that vision has been to replace the Avondale YFD Center with something truly special and state-of-the-art.”

The former Avondale Center was built in 1949, making it one of the oldest in the city. The new center, designed by H+K Architects, is 22,550 square feet, which is more than four times the size of the old center. For perspective, the old center could fit inside the new Avondale gym. 

An opening ceremony and ribbon cutting will begin at 1 p.m. in the gym. Then Councilman Byrd and Mayor Berke will lead children to the library where Symphonic Tales and Kofi Mawuko will perform. Activities will continue until 5 p.m.

“We’re seeing East Chattanooga rise in so many ways and I’m thrilled to have this incredible space available to the Avondale and East Chattanooga community,” Councilman Byrd said. “I’m excited to see the ways the youths and adults in the area will utilize this great, new space.”

Parking will be free and available at a number of locations. YFD vans and golf carts will help transport patrons needing assistance to the gymnasium entryway off Dodson Avenue. Parking will be limited for the event, so carpooling and public transportation is encouraged. 

There will be pizza and refreshments available and the library will provide coffee and cupcakes.

This free, family-friendly event will bring the community together to support, celebrate and enjoy the new Avondale center from 1-5 p.m. To RSVP visit, cha.city/avondale.

 

Performances Starting at 12:30 p.m.:

• The Howard School Band

• D. Wiliams Dance Academy

Ceremony Speakers: 

• Ken Smith, Avondale Neighborhood Association

• Minister Eric Garner, Avondale Church of Christ

• Aaron Crowder, Sophomore at McCallie School, Avondale native, and center participant

• Anthony Byrd, Chattanooga City Council District 8

• Andy Berke, Mayor of Chattanooga

Community Activities: 

• Library: 

  • 1:35 p.m.: Symphonic Tales with Kofi Mawuko

  • 3:30 p.m.: Lillith the Clown

  • 1:30-5 p.m.: 3D Prints and Heat-Pressed Shirts

• Art Room: 

  • 1:30-5 p.m.: Art classes for youth and teens with Charlie Newton

• Dance Studio: 

  • 1:30-5 p.m.: Dance Classes with Brittany Mills

• Gymnasium: 

  • 2-5 p.m.: Basketball Tournaments

• Teen Lounge: 

  • 2-5 p.m.: Table games such as pool, bumper pool, foosball, table tennis, and air hockey 

• Multipurpose Room: 

  • 1:30-5 p.m.: Resource Fair

    • Vendors: 

      • U.S. Census Bureau 

      • Enroll the Region (Healthcare Enrollment)

      • Hamilton County Voters Coalition (Voter Registration) 

      • Office of Family Empowerment 

      • Office of Workforce Development 

      • Tech Goes Home CHA

      • Christmas in District 8 

      • Community Development/Minor Home Repairs Program (ECD)

      •  Scenic City Angels