EAST LANSING, Mich. — Community members are invited to stop by the East Lansing Hannah Community Center (ELHCC), 819 Abbot Road, next Tuesday, Jan. 25 to help in celebrating ELHCC’s 20th Anniversary.
There will be grab-and-go individually wrapped treats and refreshments available (while supplies last) as well as a 20th Anniversary banner that community members can sign along with their favorite ELHCC memory. Some of the treats will also include a “golden ticket” prize related to an ELHCC program or event, such as a free fitness pass or ticket to see an upcoming All-of-us Express Children’s Theatre production. Masks are required in the building and current weekday hours are from 6 a.m.-9 p.m.
A special resolution recognizing ELHCC’s 20th Anniversary will also be on the agenda for East Lansing City Council’s meeting next Tuesday, Jan. 25. Community members are encouraged to keep an eye out for additional 20th Anniversary programming and events throughout 2022.
“We are excited to celebrate the 20th Anniversary of the East Lansing Hannah Community Center with community members this year,” said East Lansing Parks, Recreation & Arts Director Cathy DeShambo. “This facility has served as the heartbeat of community activity in East Lansing for the past two decades, which is certainly something to recognize and celebrate.”
History and Background
ELHCC’s grand opening took place on January 25, 2002. Prior to being a community center, the building served as East Lansing High School from 1926-1959 and as East Lansing Junior High School and John A. Hannah Middle School from 1959-1998. The City of East Lansing purchased the school in 1998 and voters approved a bond to revitalize and renovate the school into a community center.
ELHCC has contributed to the health and well-being of the community by providing a wide variety of opportunities for recreation, fitness, arts, entertainment, learning and more. There are currently 40,000 active recreation pass users, approximately 1,000 seniors participating in the Prime Time Seniors Program and more than 100,000 reservation guests each year. The building is currently home to the East Lansing Department of Parks, Recreation & Arts; East Lansing Prime Time Seniors Program; the East Lansing Department of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion; All-of-us Express Children’s Theatre; the Before & After School Childcare Program and school-age summer camps; Studio de Danse; the East Lansing Public Art Gallery; and more. ELHCC offers the charm of a 1920s building combined with modern amenities, including a performing arts theater, a 25-yard heated swimming pool, two gymnasiums, a fitness center and meeting/event spaces.
Community members can learn more about ELHCC and its offerings at https://www.cityofeastlansing.com/hannah.