In Praise of Frances B. Wyatt Community Center
"Can we go to the Wyatt Center??"
It's a request I now expect from my 3rd and 4th-grade boys at school pickup each day. And the answer is always an easy "YES!"
Earlier this year, the Frances B. Wyatt Community Center on Colville Street started offering youth open gym every weekday from 3:00-5:00 PM. Whoever came up with this timeframe is brilliant. (If that was you, from the bottom of my heart -- THANK YOU!) It's the perfect post-school activity for kiddos who need to burn some energy in a safe, temperature-controlled, contained space. It's especially enticing for my boys, who are always looking for an opportunity to play basketball in a real gym (as opposed to the small basketball hoop in our cracked driveway). And in the winter, we can all only bear to be outside for so long! Enter the community center.
Photo from an NCNA meeting in 2024 in the Community Center
A few years ago, my husband and I spent a little time in Europe and became enamored with the concept of "third spaces" for people to gather. A "third space" refers to a social environment that is separate from the home (the first space) and the workplace/school (the second space). Think of cozy cafes, lively parks, community centers, libraries, or local clubs—these are all great examples! "Third spaces" are about creating a relaxed atmosphere that encourages socializing and building relationships. They help foster a sense of belonging and community, making it easier for people to meet up, enjoy each other's company, and hang out without the pressures of daily life. In an increasingly individualized world, "third spaces" offer a counterbalance towards togetherness.
My family moved to Chattanooga and landed in North Chatt just over a year ago. The neighborhood we left in North Dallas was a master-planned community with an extensive greenbelt that included a playground, a walking trail, a volleyball court, multiple pavilions, and several large fields perfect for a game of pickup football or soccer. Upon our move, our kids lamented the loss of a common space where they could always count on finding friends to run around and play with.
Since our move to Chattanooga, we've been searching for places where our kids can gather safely with other kids without needing a scheduled playdate and without spending money every time, as we do with places like trampoline parks.
NCNA Movie Night at Wyatt Community Center in summer 2024.
When we heard about youth open gym at the Wyatt Center, our whole family rejoiced! And I don't mean that as hyperbole. I want my kids to grow up with access to community spaces where they can gather with friends and play, even without parental supervision, where they're given the opportunity to work things out with one another.
What a gift to live in a city with community centers scattered throughout. Here are a few things I've learned since my kids started playing at the Wyatt Center:
Open Gym is Monday-Friday from 3:00 - 5:00 PM
The Wyatt Center is open Monday - Friday from 11:30 AM - 8:00 PM and Saturday from 12:00 - 4:00 PM, primarily used to play pickleball and table tennis. It's also available to rent. Find more info at https://chattanooga.gov/services/community-centers/francis-b-wyatt-community-center
We owe a big thanks to the community center manager, Butch, who pushed to create open gym for our kids!
The Wyatt Center is also used for neighborhood meetings and community social events, all of which have been possible because of the support and help of Butch!
Sign in! The city's community centers are funded based on usage. Signing in at the front desk indicates that our community is using the Wyatt Center. This allows our neighborhood's community center to receive more funding.
Our hope for the future is that more neighbors begin to utilize the Wyatt Center as a community space to foster belonging among all kids and adults alike!
Lindsey Wright
Butch at the NCNA Glow in the Dark Dodgeball Event.
P.S. The city is currently asking for feedback on community centers, and it is a great way to support the programming that we love at Wyatt, so be sure to respond to the survey here.
