The revitalization of the Lester Community Center reached a significant milestone on August 12th with the Topping Out Ceremony, a traditional event marking the completion of the building’s highest point. The ceremony was a momentous occasion for the Binghampton community, symbolizing the progress and promise that this new facility brings.
Nick Walker, the Director of Memphis Parks and Recreation, highlighted the importance of this milestone, emphasizing how the project is not just about constructing a building but about investing in the lives of community members.
“Today, as we place the final beam, we’re not just completing a structure; we’re laying the foundation for the next chapter of this building’s life and investing in this community,” Walker remarked during the ceremony. He also reflected on the broader context of city investment in parks and community centers, noting that this project caps off an impressive $200 million in city-wide investments, with more than half of that dedicated to parks and community centers.
The Lester Community Center has long been a vital hub for the Binghampton neighborhood, offering a range of services and programs that cater to residents of all ages. The new $18 million facility, set to open in 2025, will significantly expand on this legacy. The center will include a state-of-the-art gym, a fitness center, an indoor walking track, a tech lab, and multi-purpose rooms designed to foster community connections and personal growth.
Mayor Paul Young underscored the center’s role in the community’s future.
“This new Lester Community Center is more than just a construction project. It represents progress in Binghampton; it means growth for this community,” Young stated. He also highlighted the center’s role as a multi-generational facility, pointing out that the new amenities will bring together people of all ages to be active and engaged.
The mayor also connected the Lester Community Center’s development to broader efforts in the area, including the recent opening of the Tillman Cove apartments across the street. These projects, he noted, are part of a concerted effort to breathe new life into the Tillman Street corridor, making it a safer, stronger, and more connected community.
In a post-ceremony interview, Mayor Young expressed excitement about the facility’s potential to serve the diverse needs of the community, from youth programs to services for the elderly. He also hinted at the possibility of replicating this model in other parts of the city, depending on the success of the initial projects.
As the Lester Community Center nears completion, the anticipation among residents and city officials alike is palpable. The center’s reopening will mark a new era for Binghampton, providing a modern, welcoming space where residents can come together, learn, and grow.
This revitalization effort underscores the city’s commitment to investing in its neighborhoods and ensuring that facilities like the Lester Community Center continue to be pillars of support and connection for communities across Memphis.
TSD Photojournalist Gary S. Whitlow contributed to this report.
