Community Center Opens in Merrillville
(photo courtesy of John J. Watkins/The Times of Northwest Indiana)
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As a subscriber you can listen to articles at work, in the car, or while you work out. Subscribe NowOfficials in Merrillville are celebrating the opening of the Dean and Barbara White Community Center. Our partners at The Times of Northwest Indiana report the $24 million facility features indoor and outdoor athletic space, as well as event space for weddings, conferences and meetings.
The community center includes three basketball courts, six volleyball courts, an elevated track, a rock climbing wall, and fitness area. It also features an outdoor field for soccer, football and lacrosse, among other sports.
“It’s turned out to be an absolutely beautiful facility,” Town Councilman Shawn Pettit told The Times. “Monday is a big day in the history of the town of Merrillville; it really is.”
The publication reports several youth organizations have entered into rental agreements to utilize the facility weekly.
Last October, the Dean and Barbara White Family Foundation provided a five year, $10 million gift for the facility, which led to the community center receiving its name. The facility has also received a variety of sponsorships from local businesses and organizations that The Times says will be used for future capital expenses.