RAINBOW CITY — Rainbow City officially celebrated the opening of its new Recreation Center on Thursday morning, June 11, with a ribbon-cutting ceremony that drew a large crowd of city leaders, elected officials, community members, contractors, architects, and guests from across the region.

The event marked the completion of a project years in the making and the opening of what city leaders described as a major investment in the future of Rainbow City.

The new facility encompasses more than 40,000 square feet and offers a wide variety of recreational opportunities for residents of all ages. Among its features are a competition-sized swimming pool, splash pad, indoor walking and running track, fitness room, basketball courts, concession area, locker rooms, meeting spaces, and a large event room equipped to host graduations, ceremonies, and community gatherings.

Outside, the complex includes an amphitheater, lawn area, and playground, creating additional opportunities for outdoor recreation and events.

Mayor Joe Taylor welcomed those attending the ceremony and expressed appreciation to the Rainbow City Council for their continued support and dedication to the city’s growth. He recognized elected officials in attendance, including local leaders from neighboring municipalities, representatives from the Challenger Learning Center, and officials from Montgomery.

Taylor credited the Rainbow City Council, former council member Anita Bedwell, general contractor Dominguez & Persons, and Goodwyn Mills Cawood Architects for their roles in bringing the project to completion.

He described the recreation center as the result of countless moving parts coming together and thanked everyone who contributed throughout the planning, design, and construction process. Taylor said one of the most rewarding aspects of the project was watching residents become increasingly excited as the facility began taking shape.

The ceremony continued with an invocation and blessing over the building by Jeff Underwood. He spoke about the importance of providing families with a place where they can gather, spend time together, and participate in healthy activities, while also expressing gratitude for the leadership that helped make the project possible.

Representatives from Goodwyn Mills Cawood Architects then addressed the crowd.

Jason Harper thanked those in attendance and reflected on the progress that had occurred throughout the construction process. He described the project as another example of the momentum taking place throughout Etowah County and said Rainbow City is not simply participating in that growth but helping lead it. Harper also recognized the many individuals involved in constructing the facility.

Bob Gray discussed the importance of strong partnerships during major projects, noting that while architects always hope a building turns out well, successful projects are often defined by the quality of the client relationship. He praised Rainbow City leaders and staff for their support throughout the project.

Mayor Taylor then recognized the work of the project’s general contractor, noting that the city had enjoyed an excellent working relationship throughout construction.

Sean Dominguez thanked the mayor, city council, Rainbow City residents, and the architectural team. He also recognized the subcontractors who contributed to the project and said his company was honored to be part of the effort.

Dominguez noted that the recreation center is the first of three projects connected to the city’s master plan and expressed enthusiasm about continuing work on future developments.

Members of the Rainbow City Council then shared their thoughts on the significance of the facility.

Councilman Jeff Prince thanked the community, city leadership, contractors, and everyone involved in making the project a reality. He described the recreation center as one part of a larger vision for Rainbow City’s future.

Prince recalled that during construction, a Bible verse from Jeremiah 29:11 was written on the building’s steel framework before it was enclosed. Because he was out of town at the time, former Councilwoman Anita Bedwell wrote the verse on his behalf. Prince said he hopes the facility will serve generations of Rainbow City residents.

Councilman Clark Hopper reflected on his reasons for seeking public office in 2020, saying one of his goals was creating more opportunities for children and families. Drawing from his experience as a D.A.R.E. officer and school resource officer, Hopper emphasized the importance of keeping children active and engaged. He said he hopes the recreation center will help expand sports opportunities throughout the community.

Councilman Randy Vice described the facility with a single word: “wow.” He said he was extremely impressed with the finished project and excited about what it would mean for residents. Vice also thanked local leaders and neighboring officials who attended the event.

Councilman Jerry Ramsey thanked everyone for attending and noted that while he has traveled extensively and visited many communities, he believes Etowah County stands among the best. He specifically recognized Parks and Recreation Director Phillip Hollingsworth for his work on the project and called the recreation center an incredible achievement.

Councilman Jamison Jenkins reflected on how much Rainbow City has changed over the past several years. He said projects of this magnitude would not be possible without economic development and stressed that the city’s greatest asset is its employees. Jenkins recognized city workers throughout the organization and credited their commitment to service for helping make projects like the recreation center possible.

Former Councilwoman Anita Bedwell then addressed the crowd. Although no longer serving on the council, she was part of the governing body when the project began.

Bedwell said the facility holds a special place in her heart because she witnessed the early stages of planning and development. She expressed appreciation for the community’s support and said she hopes additional projects will continue to benefit Rainbow City in the future.

Mayor Taylor returned to the podium and discussed the role athletics and recreation play in the city’s success. He noted that sporting events generate significant economic activity and often bring enough visitors into Rainbow City to dramatically increase the local population during tournaments and special events.

Taylor also spoke about the city’s continued growth and recent additions to its workforce, emphasizing that successful projects are made possible through teamwork among city employees and elected officials.

One of those newer employees, Savanna Knighten, also addressed attendees.

Knighten thanked Mayor Taylor and Parks and Recreation Director Phillip Hollingsworth for welcoming her to what she described as a family-oriented work environment. She said the recreation center represents much more than a building and will become a place where children grow through athletics, families spend time together, and lasting memories are created.

Parks and Recreation Director Phillip Hollingsworth concluded the speaker portion of the program.

Hollingsworth thanked Mayor Taylor, the City Council, city employees, architects, contractors, and everyone involved in the project. He also expressed gratitude to his family for their support throughout the process and recognized the staff members who will oversee the facility’s daily operations. Hollingsworth encouraged residents to reach out with questions and said he looks forward to serving the community through the new center.

Mayor Taylor delivered the final remarks before the ribbon cutting, once again highlighting the contributions of city employees. He said they are the strength and backbone of Rainbow City’s success and reminded attendees that the city’s accomplishments ultimately belong to its citizens, whose support makes projects like the recreation center possible.

Following the remarks, Phillip Hall of the Etowah County Chamber of Commerce directed the official ribbon-cutting ceremony, officially opening the Rainbow City Recreation Center.

In a statement following the event, Rainbow City described the recreation center as a vision that has now become reality through years of planning, hard work, and collaboration.

City officials expressed appreciation to Mayor Joe Taylor, the City Council, city staff, Goodwyn Mills Cawood, contractors, and all others who played a role in bringing the project from conception to completion. They also thanked the citizens of Rainbow City for supporting the investment.

Officials said the recreation center is more than a building. They described it as a place where friendships will be formed, goals achieved, families gathered, and memories created for generations to come.