City celebrates transitioning old Three Springs youth detention facility into community center
MADISON – The City of Madison and MVP Madison Visionary Partners hosted a grand opening ceremony Thursday, commemorating the newly opened Madison Community Center, 1329 Browns Ferry Road. The grand opening marks years of work transitioning the former Three Springs youth detention facility into a functional center for residents and community groups.
Three Springs was last used as youth detention facility in 2019. It was forced to close by the city after two young men housed at the facility was accused of escaping and killing a man. The city then acquired the property and began planning to convert it into a community center. “The community center marks a maturation of Madison and will serve as an asset for all ages to utilize and enjoy for decades to come,” Mayor Paul Finley stated. “From the project’s inception, to dollars raised, then design and construction, this project has come full-circle; and we are thrilled to provide access to affordable facilities and programs that bring families and neighbors together.”
The 30,000 square foot community center houses multiple meeting rooms, arts and craft spaces, music rooms, as well as a multi-use gym for Madison’s special needs community.
A courtyard at the center of the facility hosts picnic tables for outdoor gathering and a small performance stage. Additionally, Madison’s Senior Center occupies one wing of the building, expanding opportunities for our growing active senior community.
“Public spaces, like the community center, help define a city’s quality of life, which is why MVP is so thankful to our donors for contributing $1,009,500 towards the facility. The community center enhances the social infrastructure of Madison as we continue to grow a vibrant, connected and healthy city,” said Christina Hearne, Executive Director of Madison Visionary Partners.
Madison, Alabama Parks and Recreation is underway scheduling programs and room rentals. To view programs and reserve rooms at the Community Center, download the Madison Parks and Recreation app on the App Store or Google Play.
The remaining 30 acres of land is slated to connect and extend to the Bradford Creek Greenway.
