A new $10 million community center has opened in Springfield, Massachusetts, six years after the old one was left in ruin by a tornado.
Mayor Domenic Sarno said the new community center means a lot to the South End neighborhood and to him personally. Sarno was executive director of the community center before being elected mayor in 2007.
" From the ashes rises a phoenix," said Sarno. " It is really heartfelt, really heartfelt."
The project was paid for with $6 million in federal disaster aid and $4 million in city funds.
The new 29,000 square foot building includes a large gymnasium with basketball courts, space for dance programs and boxing, an exercise area, and three classrooms.