Jewish Post, Indianapolis, Marion County, 3 January 2003 — Page 41

ational and cultural program for the total Jewish community through the Communal Building and the Kirshbaum Community Center. It then set up its own board of directors, becoming a constituent agency of the Federation. Between 1926 and 1946, the JCCA conducted programs in both the Communal Building and at the Kirshbaum Center. The Concord Center then rented the Communal Building for its use and eventually bought the building for a token sum

in 1959.

In 1948 a survey showed that the Jewish community's demands had outgrown the Center's capacity to meet them. Remodeling plans were approved, but when bids were let, the lowest bid was about $500,000. It was obvious that it would be more realistic to construct a new Center building at a site that would take into consideration the population trends of our membership. In 1951, a site committee was appointed and considered many locations. It unanimously recommended the purchase of 40 acres at 67th St. and Hoover Rd. The site was purchased

in 1952. After three fund raising campaigns in 1953, 1954 and 1955, $385,400 had been pledged. The new Jewish Community Center opened Feb. 1, 1958, after a week

of dedication ceremonies. Because of inadequate funds, some facilities originally planned were omitted. From 1969 through 1972, various committees met and came to the realization that a total building and renovation program was required to meet the community's needs. The Federation conducted the campaign in 1973 and raised more than $800,000. As a result, the Federation approved plans and building programs that took form in the present building of more than 60,000 square feet, which opened in May 1975. During the 90s, the greatest expansion and renovation to date was completed at the JCC. The facility's area has more than doubled to 165,000 square feet. New to the JCC are an auditorium and kitchen for cultural arts events and banquets for up to 300 people, a 20,000 square foot multi-recreational facility that houses indoor tennis courts convertible for volleyball, indoor soccer and much more, and a state-of-the-art 22,000 square foot fitness complex. The Early Childhood Education Wing now cares for

You will be full & happy

or you will not pay

pizza^^tlCCini S pasta

NW 1508 West 86th at Ditch Rd.

875-9223

NE 3944 East 82nd at Dean Rd.

842-4028

N 13674 N. Meridian St.

580-0087

and educates children ages 6 weeks old through kindergarten. In 2002, the JCC opened its new IM=X Pilates exercise studio, which offers specialized one-on-one training as well as mat classes. In 2002 and 2003, new cardiovascular equipment was added in the fitness center. On September 15, 2002 the JCC broke ground for the new Sidney & Lois Eskenazi Aquatic Complex. On July 25, 2003, the complex opened with a 6-lane competition pool, two slides going into a plunge pool, a lazy river with an adjustable current, an interactive water play area and zero depth pool for young children, an indoor therapy pool with a hydraulic floor, a new year-round indoor/outdoor restaurant, and new changing rooms for men, women and families. This $4.5 million dollar facility is made possible with a $1.5 million grant from Lilly Endowment, a $1 million grant from United Way of Central Indiana, and numerous gifts from families, individuals and foundations. Continued on page 31

The Directory of lewish Life 2003 • Page 21