Colonial Heights Community Center reopening

After nearly six months of construction, the Colonial Heights Community Center is reopening today, with new services.

The center at 157 Roanoke Ave. underwent a $600,000 renovation and expansion, including a 2,718-square-foot addition for a youth center and assembly area. A grand opening is 2 p.m. today.

The former 5,071-square-foot structure also got two new bathrooms, an additional exit, the installation of a new sprinkler system for the entire building and renovations of walls, floors and ceilings.

The new Teen Center, which had been requested by residents for years, has a small coffeehouse-style area, two computers, a television-viewing area, and Wii and PlayStation video games.

Other programs and activities, including dances and classes, are planned. Starting this week, the center will be open Monday through Saturday from 6 to 10 p.m. during the summer and from 3 to 9 p.m. during the school year.

The center will serve as a place for city youths to gather after school and in the evening, said Sean Gleason, director of Department of Recreation and Parks. The Office on Youth and the city's Recreation and Parks Department will offer recreational and educational programs at the center.

The community center still has a senior center, which remained open during construction. The new assembly area will give more space for seniors classes held during the day, Gleason said.

"By doing this multigenerational center, we will add to the community activities we have for teens and seniors," Gleason said.

The community center is open to the public for club meetings, wedding receptions, parties and political events, among other activities.

Contact Luz Lazo at (804) 649-6058 or .