City of Lufkin holds open house to show off new community recreation center

LUFKIN, Texas (KTRE) - The City of Lufkin has opened the doors at its new community-wide recreation center only a matter of months after the idea became a vision.

City employees held an open house Tuesday to allow residents the opportunity to take a closer look at the new rec center.

“It’s super exciting to have something like this available to the community, and public space that’s just so welcoming and bright,” said Jennifer Lacorte, a resident of Lufkin. “And affordable; that’s one of the biggest pieces that’s really great for our community.”

Back in August, Lufkin City Council approved the purchase of the former Calvary Baptist Church's FLC building.

Since then, the Parks and Recreation Department made renovations and updated the basketball court. The city also added a toddler room for activities, a cardio room, a gymnastics room, and more on the second floor.

“I think that one thing is that we have one of the best Parks and Recreation departments there is in any county our size,” said Bob Brown, mayor of Lufkin. “This gives us a chance to showcase a lot of things and expand the program that has been waiting to explode, and I just see great dreams coming true with this facility.”

City leaders originally said the city’s old facility was ill-equipped to serve the residents of Lufkin, especially children. Parks and Recreation Director Mike Flynn said the facility was limited on space and kept the city from offering new programs, which is why the department moved forward with the plans.

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