Last
Friday, Emerald Youth Foundation broke ground for construction of a
neighborhood complex that will serve the young people and residents of
Lonsdale.
The complex will include two multipurpose synthetic
turf fields for soccer, flag football and other sports. Its
30,000-square-foot multipurpose facility will feature a learning center,
two full-size gymnasiums with basketball courts, locker rooms,
concessions and a kitchen, a fitness area with a weight room,
dance/aerobics room and cardio theater, an assembly room for gatherings,
and a performing arts area with practice rooms.
“This
multipurpose complex for youth will be a difference-maker in Lonsdale
and a catalyst for continued community development,” said Knoxville
Mayor Madeline Rogero. “I am grateful to the Sansom and Haslam families
for their significant and ongoing investment in our youth, and to the
leadership and commitment of Steve Diggs and the Emerald Youth
Foundation board and staff.”
This multipurpose complex
will be the realization of the community's vision for quality
recreational assets that were identified 13 years ago as part of the
Lonsdale Redevelopment Plan.
The
City was a partner with the community in this project from the
beginning, and we’ll be supporting it through its completion with $1
million in public streetscape infrastructure.
Click HERE to read the News Sentinel’s coverage of the announcement and community reaction.
Lonsdale Complex Groundbreaking from Community Television Knoxville on Vimeo.