UAB Breaks Ground on Bartow Arena Renovation
University leaders, donors, community partners and elected officials gathered on campus to celebrate the start of construction on the project that will enhance the overall gameday experience. The ceremony featured comments from UAB President Ray L. Watts M.D., Mayor of Birmingham Randall L. Woodfin, Director of Athletics Mark Ingram, Head Volleyball Coach Betsy Freeburg, Associate Women's Basketball Coach Taren Martin, Head Men's Basketball Coach Andy Kennedy, and inaugural UAB Athletics Foundation Chair Hatton Smith.
St. Charles Reaches Agreement With YMCA to Develop New Rec Center
The City of St. Charles entered an agreement with the Gateway Region YMCA to advance the development of a new recreation center.
The planned center will be in a renovated historic building south of the new city hall. The city said the project reflects feedback from residents and the community. The Mayor’s Recreation Center Task Force spent nearly a year shaping the development plans.
“This is more than a recreation center, it’s an investment in the health and quality of life of our community,” Mayor Dan Borgmeyer said. “Residents of all ages will have a place to stay active, learn new skills and build relationships. By partnering with the YMCA, we’re creating a destination that reflects what our residents told us they wanted and one that will serve Saint Charles for generations to come.”
The center, which is expected to open in late 2027, will include amenities such as a fitness center, group exercise studios, community rooms and dedicated family spaces. The second floor will house the relocated senior center, which will operate independently of the YMCA.
Columbus JCC Celebrates Opening of Sam Baker Aquatics Center
While the shuttering of the over 40-year-old pool at the end of summer 2025 on the campus of the Jewish Community Center of Greater Columbus brought about the end of an era of a site filled with memories for thousands of people, the grand opening of the Sam Baker Aquatics Complex on June 7 will ring in a new age, one the organization is hopeful will bring about fresh fun moments that will last a lifetime.
“Throughout this historic campaign, we heard extensively from over 400 donor households about how the JCC impacted their family and the many generations before them,” JCC Columbus CEO Mike Klapper told the Columbus Jewish News. “The memories ranged from learning to swim in our pool to meeting their best friend in summer camp, and feeling welcomed and accepted by our Jewish community at the JCC. It is important to our leadership team that future generations of our community will make new memories that will spark a deeper connection to the Jewish community.”
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