SOLEDAD — City of Soledad will be hosting a public grand-opening celebration and ribbon-cutting ceremony of its newly renovated Community Center on Saturday, June 26, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
A variety of activities for the whole family will be offered, including arts and crafts, sports, games, access to the modern fitness center, free hotdogs, ice cream and more.
Renovations at the Community Center include a brand-new modern fitness center, kitchen upgrades, interior and exterior paint and new exterior signage. Additions to the facility will include cell phone lockers, a portable dance floor to rent for special events, a stage curtain, new bleachers and the installation of modern Wi-Fi connection free to guests.
“After a devastating year for many families and small businesses, I’m very excited about the grand opening and the significance of what the community center will offer to our children, youth and families as we enter our recovery phase,” said Mayor Anna Velazquez. “This is a new opportunity for both the City and our residents to unite and become stronger as a community.”
Thirty new part-time employees, 29 of whom are Soledad residents, have been hired for operations. Twenty-three staff are Spanish speakers, one is fluent in American Sign Language and 12 are attending college this fall.
Recreation Manager Rebecca Hall will oversee the Parks and Recreation Department, including the Community Center.
Programming will be offered for all visitors and all ages, including preschool, youth, teens, adults and active adults 50-plus. A membership is not required to register nor to participate in activities.
Free Wi-Fi access at the Community Center is the city’s initial step toward implementing an “Internet for All” initiative. The Center is also a designated South Monterey County “Cooling Center” for hot weather spikes and was activated last week, offering water and free popsicles to visitors.
“The opening of the Community Center is the highlight of the reopening of Soledad as we move beyond the Covid restrictions we have all felt for the last 15 months,” City Manager Brent Slama said. “In many ways, this is the hub of our City, and we look forward to bringing our community back in to participate in the many activities and public gatherings they have missed and invite everyone to participate in many new exciting activities that we will be offering soon.”
Renovations and improvements were made possible by Measure S, approved by voters in 2020.
Measure S Committee Member Tony Virrueta is passionate about providing services for citizens and youth. He recalls his 20-year history with the center, where his children learned and played organized sports.
“I am excited for the new renovations, programs and equipment this building badly needed. Moving into the future, the funds for Measure S will only make our youth programs and parks better,” Virrueta said. “I look forward to watching my five grandkids and myself utilize this Center and our local parks.”
The Community Center is still recruiting volunteer basketball coaches and referees. Staff is working to establish partnerships and recruit approximately 15 program instructors to enhance program offerings.
Interested candidates can apply at cityofsoledad.com/jobs/ or email re********@ci***********.com .
