Gadsden, AL – Yesterday, the City of Gadsden cut the ribbon on the new East Gadsden Community Center.

“I’m proud that this community center is finished for the citizens, and I’d like to thank the City Council for their support of this project,” Mayor Sherman Guyton said in a statement.

“Work on this community center has been going on for several years, and I appreciate the patience from the residents as we worked to overcome a number of large setbacks,” he said.

The $5.5 million facility, which has more than 31,000 square feet of space, includes a number of multipurpose activity and meeting rooms, a gym with an elevated walking track, an exercise room with weight equipment, a kitchen and more.

The building was designed by KHAFRA and built by Bob Smith Construction, Inc.

District 2 City Council member Deverick Williams thanked the mayor, the city council and the citizens for their support of the project.

“And now you, the constituents of this great community; you, the folks that have stood by patiently; you, that pay taxes every day to make sure stuff like this happens in our community; you are the benefactors, and that’s what it’s all about,” he said. “That’s what makes me proudest.”

PHOTOS: East Gadsden Community Center ribbon cutting 

Dr. Cynthia Toles, Council President and District 1 representative, said the old East Gadsden Community Center was one of the most-used facilities in the city, and she’s looking forward to seeing all the activity return.

“It’s beautiful. You’ll enjoy it, and there will be more people to come,” she said. “I thank you all again for your patience.”

Carla Wilson, the manager of the EGCC, said she’s looking forward to partnering with numerous groups in the community to make full use of the facility’s activity spaces.

“Along with the old programs, we are so excited to bring in some new programs,” Wilson said.

The ribbon cutting served as a soft opening for the facility, which will fully open in the coming days.