New T.B. Smith Community Center in the works

Work is under way to renovate and revamp the T.B. Smith Community Center on Ruffin Road. The $20 million project, funded largely by the federal American Rescue Plan Act, will bring new life to the community center and the adjacent playground and athletic courts.

The new 30,000 square foot building is designed to “[elevate] the community, with a focus centered on sports and health”. Featuring both indoor and outdoor basketball courts, a large multipurpose sports field, an indoor pool, and gardens, the building will also house teaching spaces and a kitchen. The space is designed to be functional and attractive – additional amenities include a walking trail, playground, splash pad, native grass meadows, and open space with tree planting contributing to the park-like setting.

Along with the T.B. Smith Community Center, work is planned for the Southside Community Center, the Calhoun Center and for a new center on the current site of Lucks Field in Church Hill.

The project is scheduled to be completed by December 2024.