Coleman A. Young Recreation Center reopens after $11 million renovation project

• Drop-in programming begins Monday May 12; scheduled programming begins Monday May 19.
• This project was funded through American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) ($5.9 million) and unlimited Tax General Obligation (UTGO) bond ($5.1 million).
• Renovations include parking lot repairs, electric vehicle (EV) charging stations, new exterior windows, gym floor refinishing, a new elevator, pool system enhancements, boiler replacement, updated HVAC systems and controls, electrical upgrades, fire alarms and CCTV improvements and more.
• The City of Detroit now has 13 recreation centers open to the public.
   

The City of Detroit General Services Department, Recreation Division is excited to welcome residents back to Coleman A. Young Recreation Center. The rec center, named after Detroit’s first Black mayor, first opened in 1980. In March 2020, the rec center closed due to the pandemic. Since then, the building underwent $11 million worth of improvements.

“Residents have been very vocal about wanting to have the Coleman A. Young Recreation Center back since we put it to use as a COVID testing site five years ago,” said Mayor Mike Duggan. “It’s taken some time, but I’m sure residents will agree, when they see the beautiful improvements that it was worth the wait.”

“I am so impressed with the attention to detail and the commitment to excellence that is shown in the construction of this building that bears the name of my father, Coleman A. Young,” said City Councilman Coleman A. Young II. “This is a phenomenal structure that is filled with the spirit of my father and most importantly, the spirit of the people of Detroit.”

The City of Detroit Construction and Demolition Department contracted Gandol Inc. to complete the two-phase renovation project. Renovations and updates include parking lot repairs, the addition of electric vehicle (EV) charging stations, new exterior windows, new entrance, gym floor refinishing, a new elevator, pool system enhancements, boiler replacement, updated HVAC systems and controls, electrical upgrades, fire alarms and CCTV improvements and more. Some improvements made as part of this project are visibly noticeable while others are not but critical to the safety of our community.

“The reopening of the Coleman Recreation Center is more than a return—it’s a renewal of our commitment to community, connection, and opportunity,” said General Services Director Crystal Perkins. “This space has long been a cornerstone for generations, and today, it reopens its doors with new energy and purpose. May it continue to be a place where memories are made, futures are shaped, and our community grows stronger together.”

The grand reopening for this District 5 community gem was Saturday May 10. Drop-in programming begins Monday May 12; scheduled programming begins Monday May 19. For a look at the program schedule, visit the City of Detroit’s website here. During the grand reopening, more than 300 people purchased a Detroit Recreation membership.

“The reopening of the Coleman A. Young Recreation Center is more than a celebration of a building, it’s a celebration of community, opportunity, and progress,” said City Council President Mary Sheffield. “This $11 million dollar transformation brings new life to a space that has long been a cornerstone for youth, families, and seniors in our city. I’m proud to stand with residents as we reopen this vital center and renew our focus on neighborhood investment and access to quality public spaces.”

This project was funded through American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) ($5.9 million) and unlimited Tax General Obligation (UTGO) bond ($5.1 million). As part of the General Services Department’s recreation center refresh project funded by ARPA, new furniture, a new e-sports lounge, new fitness equipment in the weight room and new gaming equipment have also been added to Coleman A. Young Rec Center.

This milestone marks the reopening of all 13 recreation centers that were closed during the pandemic. Construction continues the Helen Moore Community Center, previously known as Dexter-Elmhurst Recreation Center.