The Parks and Recreation Department hosted a ribbon cutting for the Philip E. Bazemore Active Adult Center on Wednesday, June 21 at 8:30 a.m. 

The Active Adult Center is a 21,440 square foot facility that includes state of the art audio/visual equipment, a small cardio room, a computer lab, several multi-purpose activity and class rooms, a ceramics and pottery area, a large group fitness room, cozy lobby for socialization and a large rentable event space for the community. 

The Active Adult Center is named after long-time Council Member Philip E. Bazemore who served from 1981-2009. 

WATCH THE FULL RIBBON CUTTING CEREMONY BY CLICKING HERE

“Philip Bazemore was a steward of our community, enriching the lives of the people he served,” said Parks and Recreation Director Ryan Jones. “What a fitting dedication for a man whose legacy includes sincere commitment to bettering the lives of others.” 

City Manager Mark Watson credited Council Members and City Staff, past and present, who had the vision to transform the former Enquirer Journal building into such a center of activity and well-being. 

“They had a new vision, a new purpose, and a new building to serve this community,” said Watson. 

The City purchased the former Enquirer Journal building located at 500 W. Jefferson St. in Downtown Monroe back in 2016 and built a new addition with larger windows. In 2021, Monroe City Council approved $3.5 million dollars for its renovation to the Active Adult Center. 

“This building will be serving just about every demographic within the City of Monroe. It will be a very special place that is going to make everyone proud,” said Watson. 

Council Member James Kerr said the City took a building that was fairly ordinary and turned it into something extraordinary. 

“We’re excited to be 16 [years old], we’re excited to be 21. In Monroe, you’re going to be excited to be 55,” said James Kerr followed by a rousing applause. 

“This is a great day for Monroe and for all of our citizens. Thank you to everyone who worked so hard,” said Council Member Julie Thompson. 

Mayor Marion Holloway and Council Member Lynn Keziah remembered the influential man the building is named after. 

“I knew Phil back when I was in my commercial banking days, and if he told you he was going to do something on Wednesday: get there early because he was going to show up and do it. What a pleasure it was to know Phil Bazemore,” said Mayor Marion Holloway. 

Council Member Lynn Keziah said he had the honor to say a few words about the man who ended up becoming his best friend. 

“There was nobody that was more of a visionary than Phil Bazemore. He was respected and he loved this City. I honest to goodness think that where we’re at today in this City, Phil Bazemore had a lot to do with it,” said Keziah. 

Bazemore’s daughter Ina Horn was in attendance during the ceremony. She told the crowd she was starting to tear up as Holloway and Keziah reminisced about her dad. 

“My father loved Monroe and Union County. He was so committed and had a tremendous vision for what it could and should be. I’m just so grateful that you would honor his legacy,” said Ina Horn, Phil Bazemore’s daughter. 

Council Members James Kerr, Lynn Keziah, Marion Holloway, Julie Thompson along with Ms. Horn cut the ribbon to complete the ceremony. 

After the ceremony, light refreshments were served in the multi-purpose event space and volunteers provided guided tours of the building. 

The Active Adult Center will be open Thursday from 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. with regularly scheduled activities for participants. 

The Grand Opening events, including live music and a food truck, scheduled for Thursday, June 22, from 6-8 p.m. have been postponed due to inclement weather. 

Follow the Monroe Facebook page for updates on a new date for our Grand Opening activities, to be announced.