The Salvation Army Ray and Joan Kroc Corps Community Center in Ashland has announced a major capital expansion coming soon to the Ashland community. Late in 2016, a local group of Kroc Center staff, board members, and community leaders responded to an opportunity to envision, strategize, and apply for Kroc-specific funding for capital expansion made available by The Salvation Army Eastern Territorial Headquarters in New York.
The result? An award of $7.2 million to be used solely for capital expansion. The expansion will include an indoor waterpark, fitness facility, locker rooms, a community hub with expanded concessions, multipurpose rooms and lounge space, and additional parking.
The outdoor spray park has been one of the most beloved and highly utilized features of the Ashland Kroc Center; yet, it can only be enjoyed a few months out of the year. A new indoor water park, the centerpiece of this expansion, will allow the Kroc Center to offer recreational water play for all ages all year long.
“Just as the Ashland Kroc Center prepares to celebrate its 10-year anniversary in April, it is exciting to announce this good news that the best is yet to come!” says Captain Annalise Francis, “We will continue to provide meals, groceries, utility and housing assistance, afterschool care, and educational, recreational, artistic and spiritual enrichment to Ashland county. Now we are thrilled to have even more to offer- a place for the community to come for hope, wellness, and just plain fun!”
Further details of the expansion design and building plans will be unveiled at the Kroc Center’s 10th Anniversary “Birthday Bash,” which will be open to the public, on Saturday, April 13 from 2:00 – 4:00 pm.