By Frank Sinatra, AAP Editor

The Pennsauken Community Center is that much closer to becoming reality, as construction vehicles have been busy clearing and grading the land so that a foundation can be prepared and poured, and work can progress. The $20 million project, which will be built on the corner of Westfield and Bethel avenues, has been made possible with both state and federal funding.

“This community center is something that Pennsauken residents have been looking forward to for a really long time,” said Pennsauken Mayor Nicole Roberts, who recently visited the site. “I can’t express to you how excited Township Committee and I are over this amazing project.”  

“As long as I can remember, getting a community center in Pennsauken was something everyone was talking about. Now, it’s happening, and work is underway,” added Township Administrator Tim Killion.

Pennsauken’s new community center will be a warm and welcoming gathering space for residents. The lobby will consist of an open floor concept that takes advantage of natural lighting. The facility will feature indoor basketball, pickleball, and volleyball courts; a walking/running track; and rooms where fitness classes, such as aerobics or yoga, can be held. The community center will also include locker rooms for those using the space.

“In addition to the great outdoor spaces Pennsauken has, our community center will be a great place for our residents to exercise and stay active, particularly when the weather doesn’t cooperate,” said Township Committeeman Patrick Olivo.

Multipurpose rooms can be used for a variety of functions. These areas will have the ability to be converted into a single, sizeable space with both indoor and outdoor options. This versatility will offer the Pennsauken community a location that can accommodate a significant number of people for events such as independent classes, educational seminars, art shows, extensive presentations, blood drives, and the like. Residents will also be able to rent these rooms for private events, such as parties and receptions.

Another key feature will be the senior activity room, an area that allows both small groups, as well as individual seating clusters. This versatile space will encourage socialization for senior citizens, and feature internet/technology access and support.

“When planning our community center, creating a space specifically for seniors was a main priority,” explained Pennsauken Deputy Mayor Jessica Rafeh. “This is something that our seniors have really been asking for, and we’re excited to make that possible.”

A key aspect to the community center is that the facility will serve as a central location for Pennsauken residents to gather in the case of an emergency. To this fact, the project has been made possible through the federal Coronavirus State Fiscal Recovery Fund established through the American Rescue Plan of 2021.

“After COVID, Township Committee realized that we needed a central location where our residents could come together to get help during an emergency,” said Mayor Roberts. “Our new community center will be a main location for residents to get anything from flu shots to emergency relief.”

“Our community center would not be possible without the support from our state and federal representatives. We thank them for their assistance with this vital project for our community,” said Township Administrator Tim Killion.

The addition of a community center rounds out the Pennsauken Community Recreation Complex, which is home to the Township’s soccer fields, a basketball court, a playground, a walking path, as well as the Pennsauken Skate Park.

“The Pennsauken Community Center is going to tap into all the activity that happens at the Pennsauken Skate Park and our soccer fields,” said Township Committeeman Marco DiBattista. “This is going to be an even greater space for our residents.”

Township officials also hope that the building of the new Pennsauken Community Center will extend the economic development footprint of Westfield Ave., helping to draw traffic to area businesses.

“We’ve got some great small businesses along Westfield Ave. By developing along the other side of Cove Rd., we hope that it creates new opportunities for additional businesses to invest nearby,” said Township Committeeman Vince Martinez.

Work on the site will continue throughout the summer, with actual construction slated to continue through the fall. Substantial completion of the project is estimated to be sometime in October 2026. Updates and additional information on the Pennsauken Community Center will be shared online and via social media as details become available.