After 15 years, Uniondale finally has its own center

After more than 15 years of back-and-forth between local leadership and the Uniondale Neighborhood Center, the brand-new Uniondale Community Center, located at 925 Jerusalem Ave., officially opened its doors to the public last weekend.

“The grand opening was a roaring success,” said David Greaves president of the neighborhood center. The guest list for Sunday’s opening included county legislator Siela Bynoe, who would represent all of Uniondale if elected, as well Uniondale school district Superintendent Monique Darrisaw-Akil, Fire Chief Jessica Ellerbe, Jeanine Maynard of the Greater Uniondale Area Action Coalition, and more — not to mention about 200 Uniondale residents who showed up for the event.

“We were really honored to host all of the distinguished guests who greeted us with their presence last weekend,” said Greaves, “their involvement really highlighted the importance of the community and our organization within it.”

The center’s grand opening included a ribbon cutting ceremony, a DJ, food catered by Long Island bagel cafe, a pumpkin patch donated by Sands New York along with a pumpkin painting station, carnival games and rides for kids, and live performances by local artists such as gospel rapper ShaFire.

Although this was only day one, Greaves is already looking toward the future of not just this center, but the community itself and how his business can help. “Our vision is to offer a diverse set of programs at the center, which would serve a wide range of needs in our community,” said Greaves. Some of these programs, according to him, are already in the works, such as a highly-anticipated Halloween party at the center and a Santa Claus meet and greet for the holidays.

But that is not all, Greaves further explains that the center is also planning on hosting summer camps, school-vacation camps, after-school and educational programs, workforce preparedness courses for different industries, music initiatives and programs, faith-based programs, health and wellness classes, and sports leagues — now that the center controls a large field in the back of the facility.

However, that's not all. Greaves further explains that the center is actively planning to host a variety of programs, including summer camps, school vacation camps, after-school and educational initiatives, workforce preparedness courses for various industries, music programs, faith-based activities, health and wellness classes, and sports leagues. This expanded vision comes alongside the center's management of a large field behind the facility, further enhancing its capacity to serve the community.

"I aspire for the entire neighborhood as a whole to discover something that uplifts them at the community center, Greaves said, “we extend our gratitude to all who contributed to this event. In essence, it was a remarkable and memorable occasion.”