FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — A groundbreaking ceremony was held on June 28 ahead of construction beginning on the Yvonne Richardson Community Center expansion.
Josh Lainfiesta, the YRCC Director, said the much-needed expansion will allow for the continuation and growth of programs at the center.
The City of Fayetteville says that the YRCC project consists of a 3,853-square-foot expansion, which will include a kitchen and multi-purpose classrooms.
“We're gonna be able to offer more spots, more space for our current programs, and then expand with new programs, and have a variety of programs for all age groups," Lainfiesta said. “It's going to include an instructional kitchen, a large multipurpose room, a new front desk, an update to our craft room, and a new hardwood gymnasium floor.”
The center's namesake, Yvonne Richardson, is the daughter of former University of Arkansas Men's Basketball Coach Nolan Richardson.
The YRCC was built in 1996 to provide programming for underserved families. It's staffed, operated, and maintained by the Fayetteville Parks, Natural Resources, and Cultural Affairs Department.
"YRCC is committed to shaping today's youth for tomorrow's challenges by providing recreational, educational, and social opportunities," said Alison Jumper, director for Parks, Natural Resources, and Cultural Affairs. "The center provides after-school programming, spring and summer camps, and a variety of community events throughout the year."
As of now, Lainfiesta says that the plan is to stay open during construction and make sure that the programs can still be provided during the expansion.
The director says that the center's work is important, and the expansion will offer more for the community.
“The more we could pour into these kids, the more we could pour into our community," Lainfiesta said. “It's been here since 1996 and a lot of great people, hard work, and dedication went into making people's lives better.”
Mike Wiederkehr, a Fayetteville City Councilmember, was present at the groundbreaking and tells 5NEWS that the center thus far has been put to good use, and he expects the same once the expansion is complete.
"City councils have to put money into places that get worn out because they get used. And that's the whole function of a public building like this, a community space," Wiederkehr said. “It's had so much love, and it's time to make another investment in the children of Fayetteville.”
The groundbreaking event also marked the beginning of improvements to Ralph "Buddy" Hayes Park.
The improvements to the park include a stream restoration and the addition of seating and gathering areas, according to the city.
The park is named after Ralph "Buddy" Hayes, a beloved Fayetteville musician who was lovingly known as the "Mayor of Dickson Street" and played blues and jazz music from the 1930s through the 1960s.
Hayes Park is a one-half acre undeveloped neighborhood park located at 235 E. Rock St., south of the YRCC.
"Improvements to the center and 'Buddy' Hayes Park will better serve the community," Jumper explained.
Both the expansion and park improvements are funded by a bond approved by Fayetteville residents in 2019, paired with a matching grant from the Walton Family Foundation.
More than $2.6 million will be invested into the expansion and park improvements, according to the City of Fayetteville.
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