LeVerne F. Payne Community Center
News
Location and Hours of Operation
- 450 West Fourth Avenue | 850-891-3930
- Monday - Friday: 2:00 - 8:00pm
The LeVerne Payne Community Center, is located in the Frenchtown neighborhood of Goodbread Hills. Originally the Naval Reserve Building, it was acquired by the City, along with about 3 acres of land, in 1972, creating the Fourth Avenue Community Center (as it was then known). In 1979, two tennis courts were added. Currently, the site also offers a picnic shelter, playground, tennis courts, and a multi-purpose outdoor court. The Center sits across Fourth Avenue from the Lee Park ball field, with 13.3 acres available for passive and active recreation programs.
It was rededicated in February 2007 in honor of longtime Center Director, LeVerne F. Payne. The Center now offers an after school program for neighborhood children, providing tutoring, homework help, computer access, and a variety of interesting games, classes; dance step team, arts and crafts, nutrition, music, and tennis lessons. The Center also hosts camps for Spring Break, Winter, and Summer.
Every December on the third Friday, for over thirty years, the LeVerne Payne Community Center has hosted the arrival of "Soul Santa." Kids and parents from all over the city come to welcome Santa as he steps from his helicopter bringing Christmas joy and gifts for all the children. Food, games, and entertainment make this a special holiday event.