Four-year project comes to fruition at former county library branch
CAPE MAY — The public was invited to the Cape May Community Center on May 3 as the city held the grand opening and offered tours.
When remodeling began for the new library at Franklin Street School in 2021, the city took a survey of homeowners for the preferred future of the building at 110 Ocean St. and found a community center was what many proposed.
Dozens showed up to see the final product.
“This project has been a labor of love and a hope of mine for the last four years, so I am thrilled to see it come to fruition” said Kacie Rattigan, director of Civic Affairs and Recreation. “Our current programs have been held at different locations throughout the city, but now we have a home base and look forward to offering more activities.”
The city replaced the flooring with vinyl, painted the interior and conducted work on the HVAC system.
In addition, the city purchased furniture and equipment such as Peloton bikes, lounge furniture and children’s tables and chairs.
“Everything combined cost $150,000 and took about five months to complete,” Rattigan said.
The Recreation Department runs group fitness classes and children’s activities but plans to add weekly group activities such as card games, bingo and crafts. Additionally, new events will be introduced such as guest speakers, clinics and clubs.
“I am extremely happy with the outcome. The city’s recreation programs have always been scattered throughout the city, some even hosted at locations that were not city-owned, which makes it difficult to run when our needs aren’t priority,” Rattigan said. “Now we have a place to call ‘home’ and we can delegate what is happening and so we have a much better chance of running successful programs and events.”
Rattigan said Superintendent Eric Prusinski and the Department of Public Works were responsible for upgrades, including the wiring and exterior restoration.
“In addition to the Public Works Department, the employees from my department went above and beyond, as they always do, to make this Community Center come to life,” she said. “Most of them have been on this journey with me to find a home, so it’s been just as rewarding for them, too.”
Rattigan said Recreation Director David Scheffler “worked harder than anyone to make this dream a reality and I am forever grateful. David will be the friendly face running this building and I have no doubt he is the best man for the job.”
Hours will be the same as Cape May Convention Hall to account for staffing: 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday to Friday and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.
Hours will be extended to 8:30 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays in July and August, and are subject to change based on events.
By CRAIG D. SCHENCK/Cape May Star and Wave
