The new Tiny Tots center was filled with the voices of delighted children. In the newly refurbished gymnasium, teenagers were playing pickup basketball games on both ends of the court while adults tested the new walking track that hangs above the floor.
After being shut down for nearly two years, the Roslindale Community Center on Cummins Highway was finally reopened to the public last weekend, providing the neighborhood with a state-of-the-art facility designed to draw in people of all ages.
"There are so many fabulous assets here, not just for kids but for adults and seniors," Mayor Thomas M. Menino said of the $5 million renovation. "By moving the health center out of the building and across the street, all this space has opened up and has made a huge difference."
Visitors at the Jan. 12 opening seemed enthusiastic about the center's appearance and programs it will offer.
"There are so many new innovations here," said Herby Saintil, a 15-year-old neighborhood resident. "It makes the community of Roslindale better and keeps kids off the street with the after-school programs offered. It provides kids with a second home."
Jeanna Rex, who moved from Jamaica Plain to Roslindale two months ago, was excited about the activities the center plans to offer, including computer classes for adults.
"This place has great opportunities, not just for kids, but for adults, too," said Rex.
While some of the community center's original elements, such as the windows and the floor of the basketball court, were simply refurbished, most of the building was completely revamped.
Changes include a paint job, upgraded lighting, heating, and plumbing systems, and a new air conditioning unit that will allow the center to serve as a cool haven in the summer. The walking track is new.
The Tiny Tots preschool program provides parents with an alternative for child care, and the center offers after-school programming for children ages 6 through 12, as well as activities for teens.
It also has art and athletic programs for both adults and kids - and programming may be expanded in the future.
At the reopening celebration, Menino joined a handful of speakers in introducing the revived building to the community.
Arts and crafts stations were set up for children, and a raffle was held, with the array of prizes including works by local artists and dinner at local restaurants.
Also, the 2004 World Series trophy was put on display in the gym in the afternoon, so Roslindale residents could have their pictures taken with a part of Red Sox history.
The center, at 6 Cummins Highway, is open weekdays 8 a.m.-9 p.m. and offers yearly membership rates ranging from $15 for seniors to $20 for youths to $50 for families.
For more information on the center, call 617-635-5185.
