of holiday gatherings at the Avondale Community Center.
The holiday spirit was on full display last week as local seniors gathered for their 24th annual holiday celebration at the Avondale Community Center. The long-running event drew residents together for a day of fellowship, food, and festive cheer–once again reinforcing the center’s role as a cornerstone of the Avondale community.
Located at 1305 Dodson Ave., the Avondale Youth and Family Development Center opened in 2019, replacing the original facility that had served the neighborhood since 1949. The modern, 23,000-square-foot building is roughly four times the size of its predecessor.
Intentionally designed to be a “beacon for the community,” the center brings recreational, educational, and social resources under one roof. It houses the Avondale Branch of the Chattanooga Public Library, complete with a computer lab and makerspace tools, as well as a full-sized gymnasium, dance studio, sports complex, and classrooms.
Outside, visitors enjoy a playground, pavilion, and a thriving community garden maintained in partnership with the Chattanooga Area Food Bank.
Beyond recreation, the center offers after-school tutoring, ACT/SAT prep, and STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics) activities for youth, along with workforce training and community meeting spaces for adults.
For seniors, the center provides more than just an attractive facility. It offers dedicated social hours and activities–such as “Mahjong Mondays”–that help combat isolation and build lasting friendships.
The building also anchors neighborhood identity through public art, including the striking “LOVE” mural by artist SEVEN, created with direct input from residents to reflect Avondale’s unique spirit.
Residents interested in getting involved can visit the Avondale Youth and Family Development Center Monday through Friday from 11:30 a.m. to 8 p.m., and Saturdays from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m.