History of the Sweden/Clarkson Community Center

 

In the late 1990s a committee representing the Towns of Sweden, Clarkson, Hamlin and the Village of Brockport was formed to study the feasibility of acquiring/building a community center facility. For nearly 40 years, Sweden, Clarkson and Brockport had run a part-time, mostly summer, recreation program through a cooperative effort with the Brockport Central School District. Many community members felt the time had come for a permanent facility that could offer a wider variety of programs year-round.

During the course of the feasibility study, Sweden Supevisor Nat O. Lester, III made contact with a benefactor who was interested in helping the communities achieve this goal. In 2001, the benefactor, who desired to remain anonymous, purchased a 30,000 square foot building that contained a gymnasium, classrooms, cafeteria, and office space. The benefactor renovated the building to address code and maintenance issues and then gifted the facility to the Town of Sweden.

The Towns of Sweden and Clarkson forged ahead with opening the Community Center in March 2002. In the six years of its existence, participation at the Center has grown exponentially. The Community Center’s fitness room has state-of-the-art equipment for an affordable membership fee. Recreation and educational programs for all ages – preschool through senior citizens - are offered on a daily basis. Sports leagues and community events have become a staple offering of the Sweden/Clarkson Community Center.

Recreation Director Dave Scott heads a staff of 18 recreation professionals who successfully deliver recreational opportunities to the community.

 

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