Today, I was proud to join residents, City staff, and community leaders for the ribbon cutting and rededication of the newly renovated Lincoln Park Community Center. The renovation represents a significant investment in one of Rockville’s historic neighborhoods and in a community center that provides more than 600 programs each year, including after-school activities, sports, fitness programs, classes, and community gatherings.

The improvements throughout the center are impressive. The project modernized the building, improved accessibility, expanded the fitness and gathering spaces, and reconfigured areas to give the center greater flexibility for programs and community activities. One of the additions I am particularly excited about is the new STEM and STEAM lab, which creates another space where young people can learn, experiment and develop skills for the future.

The renovated Community Center is also now home to Rockville’s first municipal solar energy system. The 80 rooftop solar panels are expected to generate more than 43,000 kilowatt-hours of renewable electricity each year, offset approximately 40% of the center’s electricity use and save the City an estimated $8,400 annually. The solar project was funded through the U.S. Department of Energy’s Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant Program.

I especially like that this project combines two priorities that should go together: improving the services and facilities our residents use every day while making those facilities more sustainable and cost-efficient for the future.

As the Mayor and Council Liaison to both the Recreation and Park Advisory Board and the Environment Commission, I have had the opportunity to work closely with residents and volunteers focused on both of those goals. Investments like this Community Center renovatiuon demonstrate that sustainability does not have to be separate from providing better community services. Done well, sustainability can help us improve our facilities while reducing long-term operating costs.

This important renovation also respects Lincoln Park’s history. The City restored “Untitled,” a mural created in 1993 by Lincoln Park neighborhood youth under the direction of artist Margery Albertini, and added a new community mural, “Color Full Community,” created by artist Rose Jaffe in collaboration with Lincoln Park residents. Rose Jaffe joined us at the Ribbon Cutting today. The restored and new artwork help preserve the story of the neighborhood while giving today’s residents an opportunity to contribute to that story.

That combination of history and investment is important. Lincoln Park is one of Rockville’s historic communities, and the Community Center has served generations of residents. Improving the building is not simply about renovating a City facility. I am grateful to our Recreation and Parks staff, City employees, contractors, neighborhood residents, and everyone else who helped bring this project to completion. I also want to thank Senator Cheryl Kagan and Delegates Julie Palakovich Carr, Ryan Spiegel and Joe Vogel for their continued partnership with Rockville, as well as the District 17 delegation’s work over the years to secure state support for projects like the Lincoln Park Community Center renovation.

Rockville should continue investing in the community facilities that bring people together and improve quality of life in our neighborhoods. The renovated Lincoln Park Community Center is a great example of what that investment can accomplish.

I encourage everyone to stop by and see the improvements for themselves.