The Upper Arlington Community Foundation’s Community Center Capital Campaign Committee to support the construction of a Community Center at Kingsdale announced that it has increased its original goal from $5.4 million to $8 million.

The Foundation announced an initial goal of $5.4M in summer of 2021, propelled by a $2 million lead gift by the late Loann Crane to honor her husband, Bob Crane, and inspire the community to contribute to the project. Thanks to the extraordinary generosity of additional early donors, the Foundation met their goal by the end of December 2021.

“Based upon valuable community input and recommended enhancements from the design team, we are increasing our commitment to $8 million from “Good to Golden” so that we can elevate our private funds to support the community’s evolving vision,” stated Margie Pizzuti, Campaign Co-Chair and the Foundation’s Immediate Past-chair.

The announcement was made during the UA State of the City Address on February 17, 2022 where current floor plans and renderings of the building were shared by design teams, MSA Sport and Perkins & Will. Amenities for this intergenerational gathering place will include an Indoor pool, multi-purpose event/party space, locker rooms, fitness/exercise spaces, three gymnasiums (one multi-purpose), adventure play, teen space, child watch, walking/running track, senior programming, shared classrooms, event hall/meeting space, and an outdoor multi-purpose terrace.

“For years, Upper Arlington has needed a space for residents of all ages to gather,” shared Bill Hosket, Campaign Committee Honorary Co-Chair. “We’ve waited so long for this moment in our UA history. We owe it to our residents to have the best Community Center for everyone. My son, Brad, and I are delighted to serve as Honorary Co-Chairs, and we are confident our community can help us reach this increased goal.”

Inspired by her parents, fellow Campaign Committee member, Jamie Crane, and husband, Tim Miller, share the enthusiasm for a gathering space for all Upper Arlington citizens.

“Whether your gift is large or small, this is all about supporting our community and making this a wonderful community center for everyone,” said Jamie Crane.

Upper Arlington Community Center Capital Campaign Committee members include Wendy and Kate Gomez, Honorary Co-Chairs, Bill and Brad Hosket, Honorary Co-Chairs, Marissa and Jeff Backes, M.D., Greg Comfort, Jamie Crane and Tim Miller, Lisa Ingram and Greg Guy, Mary Ann Krauss, Michael Martz, Emily and John Ness and Carolyn and Andy Weeks, Margie Pizzuti, Co-Chair, Mike Fitzpatrick, Co-Chair.

The Upper Arlington Community Foundation mission is to enhance the life in Upper Arlington through collaborative relationships that support a range of worthy programs and initiatives. As a local community foundation, the organization connects community needs to community interests. The Foundation is proud to partner with the City of Upper Arlington on this exciting new community center. Visit www.togetherua.org to follow the progress on UA’s Community Center.