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Welcome to the Bradfield Community Center, located in the heart of Lima. We offer social, educational, health, and recreational programs for youth, seniors— and everyone in between.

 

Whether it’s your family’s first time visiting the Bradfield or you’re a longtime member, you are welcome here. Join us to experience:

 

  • Health, wellness, and educational programs for every stage of your journey

  • Incredible volunteer opportunities that align with your skills and interests

  • Fulfilling partnerships with your business, civic, or volunteer groups

  • Opportunities to give back to our community through your philanthropy

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Together, we can build a stronger community, nurture meaningful relationships, and create lasting memories. Welcome to Bradfield Community Center—your hub for connection, growth, and togetherness.

About

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Mission: Our mission to provide social, educational, health and recreational programs that address the needs of the Lima community.  

 

History of the Bradfield

 

The Bradfield Community Center is part of the rich fabric of Lima history, dating back to the 1938 formation of the Bradfield Community Association. The association aimed to provide recreational opportunities for Lima’s Black community, who otherwise had no access to programs and activities that encouraged personal development and growth. Named for the late Dr. Joseph Cyrus Bradfield, a World War I veteran and respected physician at both St. Rita’s Medical Center and Lima Memorial Hospital, the center first opened at 321 South West Street.

 

However, the Bradfield’s popularity necessitated the opening of a larger facility. In 1949, through the diligent efforts of the community including Dr. A.A. Dalton, the new Bradfield Community Center opened its doors at the intersection of Collett Street and North Shore Drive—the Bradfield’s present location.

 

Through the decades, the Bradfield has developed a reputation as the hub for community life. Since the first Amateur Athletic Union basketball tournaments were held in the gymnasium in 1950, basketball has flourished at the Bradfield, as well as baseball, softball, volleyball, and other sports. Beyond athletics, the Bradfield has offered numerous opportunities for personal growth, including Miss Opportunity Pageants, social dances, after school programming, exercise classes for seniors, computer literacy, arts and crafts, and more.

 

A successful capital campaign in the 1990s helped to expand the center to include a new entrance, additional classrooms for educational programming, and a conference room that opened the Bradfield to a wide range of corporate and community partners.

 

Today, the Bradfield serves all members of the Lima community while continuing to fulfill the vision of our early founders. With longtime youth advocate Chris Jackson leading the charge as CEO, the Bradfield looks forward to the next chapter of impact in its mission to address the needs of the Lima community through social, educational, health, and recreational programs.

 I know this section is lengthy but I would use it in full (for those who geek out on this kind of thing)

Our Story

Our Pillars

Health, wellness, and educational programs for every stage of your journey.

Incredible volunteer opportunities that align with your skills and interests.

Fulfilling partnerships with your business, civic, or volunteer groups.

Opportunities to give back to our community through your philanthropy.

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