The Muncie Common Council adopted Resolution 15-25 on July 7 to create a committee that will study development of a new community center to replace the former South Madison Community Center. The committee’s purpose is to guide planning and stakeholder outreach for a community facility serving nearby neighborhoods.

Council members amended the resolution during the meeting to ensure neighborhood representation. Councilman Green moved, and the council approved, changes adding the Southside Neighborhood Association’s president (Courtney Marsh was named in the record) and including a representative from Morningside; the council also increased the committee membership count accordingly.

Why it matters: multiple council members and residents urged the creation of a permanent, city-supported community center to provide program space for youth and seniors and a stable meeting place for neighborhood associations. Supporters said neighborhoods without dedicated facilities, such as the South Side, need a locally accessible center for recreation, meetings and services.

Process and next steps: the resolution directs city staff to convene the committee with the amended membership and to report back to council. The council voted to adopt the resolution as amended at the meeting; staff and committee members will continue planning, including outreach to neighborhood associations and stakeholders, and will return proposals and next steps in future meetings.

Public comment: council members and residents expressed strong local support for a community center and encouraged the city to include multiple neighborhoods in the planning process. Several speakers emphasized the need for youth programming and a permanent gathering place.