Newest Batavia Park District Facility On The Cusp Of Grand Opening

Press release from Batavia Park District:

BATAVIA, IL — On Aug. 9, Batavia residents will get a first look at Batavia Park District’s newest facility, the Patrick J. Callahan Community Center. Situated across from the Batavia Riverwalk, this new community resource offers expanded multigenerational programming for toddlers through seniors, room rentals and an enrichment program for ages 3-5.

The new community center has a staffed front desk open from 8:30 to 4:30 p.m. where visitors can register for programs or get assistance, meeting and program rooms with views of the Riverwalk, a Museum Annex for Batavia Depot Museum that will house collections and workrooms, plus offices for park district recreation staff and Batavia Access TV. The community center will also be home to New Adventures PlayLab, a STEAM-based enrichment program for ages 3-5.

“Our vision for a new community center is inspired by the voices of our residents,” said Batavia Park District Executive Director Allison Niemela. Through the 2022 community needs assessment survey, it became clear that families are seeking more spaces for connection, learning and recreation, she noted.

“This community center will be a place where generations come together, from children discovering new interests to seniors staying active and engaged,” Niemela said. “It’s more than a building; it’s a reflection of our shared values and commitment to a vibrant, inclusive community. We’re excited to bring this vision to life for everyone who calls Batavia home.”

The grand opening kicks off at 8 a.m. and runs through noon and includes tours, mini classes, meet-and-greets with park district instructors and refreshments. A ribbon-cutting ceremony will be held at 10:30 a.m. During the tour, a 10% discount will be offered to those who register for Callahan Community Center programs.

The Callahan Community Center is named in honor of Patrick J. Callahan, a 27-year Batavia Park District Park Board commissioner and longest-serving Park Board member who retired from the board in May.

This project is funded by a $2.8 million Park and Recreational Facility Construction grant and Batavia Park District existing fund balances, as well as a $430,000 donation from the Batavia Historical Society. There was no need for a tax rate increase to fund this project.

This press release was produced by the Batavia Park District. The views expressed here are the author’s own.