Gov. Jim Pillen, Mayor Gaylor Baird help cut ribbon at new Malone Community Center

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) — A ribbon was cut, and a community center was reborn.

The Clyde Malone Community Center was torn down about two years ago to be rebuilt into something bigger and better, and now it has.

The new facility spans 54,000 square feet. The old facility was roughly 14,000 square feet.

Both Gov. Jim Pillen and Mayor Leirion Gaylor Baird were in attendance for the historic moment and spoke on how much this new center is needed.

“This is a gigantic day for everyone, for our community, for our state,” Pillen said. “Just imagining all the children and families who will walk through these doors and their lives will change for the better.”

The center at 21st and U streets will provide child care, after-school programs and so much more. It will be a place for growth, focused on combating poverty and promoting unity and prosperity.

John Goodwin, the CEO of the center, has big dreams in store.

“This place was built for you, for you to dream,” said Goodwin. “This is a space where you come in to understand who you really are.”