The Chapel Hill Community Center has an official reopening date.

The Town of Chapel Hill announced that community members can return to the center starting June 1. The town closed the center to allow crews to install a new HVAC system.

“Crews have been installing it since March,” the town’s release reads. “We appreciate everyone’s patience and can’t wait to welcome community members back inside!”

The town initially said it expected workers to complete the installation by May. While the center was closed, surrounding park space including the Gene Strowd Rose Garden, the Bolin Creek Trail and other areas remained open.

“There’s never a good time to temporarily shut down a beloved gathering space in our community,” said Parks and Recreation Director Atuya Cornwell in March. “We expect to have everything back up and running in time for our summer programs.”

The funds for the HVAC project came from the Town of Chapel Hill’s annual pay go capital allocation. It was a part of the town’s larger effort to replace these systems, with the Hargraves Community Center receiving similar work.

“We know this project requires some patience and we’re grateful for the support of our community members,” said Cornwell. “We can’t wait to welcome everyone back to an improved Community Center.”

In 2025, the town cut the ribbon on a new inclusive playground at Community Center Park. The year prior, part of the park property was closed after a site assessment revealed higher levels of lead, cadmium, and petroleum compounds in the soil.

 

Image via Henry Taylor/Chapel Hill Media Group

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