East Lake Community Center Reopens After Renovations

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – East Lake Community Center celebrated it’s grand re-opening after it had been closed for over three years.

Mayor Tim Kelly and City Councilwoman Roquetta Dotley cut the ribbon.

This renovation is the investment people have been waiting for.

Dotley said the people are “ready to see their community be brought into the forefront.”

Edward Curtis said his neighborhood is eager to help bring the community center back to life. “We got a lot of things here that we didn’t have before. East Lake is one of the oldest neighborhoods in Chattanooga, but one of the most overlooked neighborhoods in Chattanooga. We need to bring it back.”

The extensive renovations started in March 2021.

Back then, the community center only had one multi-purpose room and a gymnasium with no bleachers.

Today, there’s a computer lab, a teen lounge, a catering kitchen, and a gym that can seat over 300 people.

Mayor Tim Kelly hopes the new space will unite the East Lake community, saying “That’s what community centers are valuable for. Reconnecting people with each other.”

The East Lake Community Center will now provide resources and programs to the people that live there.

There will be an office for community health as well as a partnership with East Lake academy.

Councilwoman Dotley said she hopes the new space brings kids, families, and neighbors together for years to come.