The new Frogtown Community Center officially opened Thursday on Como Avenue, in St. Paul, and Mayor Melvin Carter pledged to continue funding for park and rec center improvements, along with support for police.
The rec center replaces the old Scheffer Recreation Center at a cost of $10 million, and has more than 23,000 square feet, which is four times the size of Scheffer.
Torria Randall will oversee the new Frogtown Community Center. She told 5 EYEWITNESS NEWS the new facility is long overdue, and has expanded programs for adults and children.
“I am over the moon about this new facility and the possibilities,” said Randall. “This is a long time coming and there is a space here for everybody.”
Mayor Carter said the city’s commitment to the Frogtown neighborhood is reflected in the opening of the new rec center, and will go hand-in-hand with helping to curb the recent rise in homicides and gun violence in St. Paul.
“We are, and will continue to fund police at the highest levels the city has ever seen,” said Carter. “And, with that, we are going to continue to invest in park and rec centers because it gives kids a proactive and positive alternative and helps keep them out of trouble.”
