MORRISTOWN, Tenn. — UPDATE: This story was corrected to say the city used a 25 cent increase to pay for the center, instead of the 25% increase.
Morristown may soon have a new community center after the city held a groundbreaking ceremony Friday morning on Durham Landing.
The city broke ground on the $36 million facility and formally started the process of building the 100,000 square-foot center. It will be a space for recreation, wellness and a place where people can host events, officials said. It is being called "Morristown Landing."
The center will feature a six-lane lap pool, a family aquatic center, a fitness center, a fieldhouse with four basketball courts and six volleyball courts, climbing walls and an outdoor splash pad. It will also offer programming such as summer camps.
Several speakers appeared and attendees received a commemorative gift, officials said.
“I am extremely proud to be able to introduce the beginning of Morristown moving up another notch," said Mayor Gary Chesney. "To our residents, you have earned this, and we deserve this level of opportunities.”
Some Morristown residents voiced their concerns earlier about the cost of the project. The city is using a 25 cent property tax increase that began in 2019 to pay for the facility.
Morristown Mayor Gary Chesney said earlier residents have been polled about this development over the last 8 years.
It is going on the west side of the city, off Highway 11 East. Officials said that it is set to be completed by summer 2022.
