H. L. Neblett Community Center

801 West 5th Owensboro, KY 42301

(270) 685-3197

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About Us

Today's young people face life-threatening challenges on a daily basis – substance abuse, neglect, AIDS, poverty – the list is far too long. If our youth are to grow up and become productive citizens of society – often if they are to grow up at all – they need a place where they can be just kids. They need caring adults to help them develop the skills and self-confidence to say "no" to dangerous pastimes. The Neblett Center offers that – and much more.

History

In 1930, Mrs. H. L. Neblett recognized the need for providing more facilities and programs which would help decrease juvenile delinquency in the community. With her husband, the late Dr. R. C. Neblett and several interested citizens, she took steps to put her ideas into effect. A permanent organization was established in March of 1936, known as the Community Recreation Council.

From 1936 to 1942 the council met at local churches to plan its recreation programs. In December 1940, a campaign to purchase a building to house the recreation program was launched. The present building was unchanged until 1967, when the first floor of the building was converted into a modern nursery - the West End Day Care Center.

In 1973, the local and state building inspectors declared the structure to be out of compliance with state codes. Former Mayor, C. Waitman Taylor, his officials and General Electric provided $6,000 to bring the building into temporary compliance.

In February 1974, after contacting local, state and federal fund sources and foundations, former Senator Marlow Cook notified the organization of the funds that were to be distributed to the cities. In 1975, Mayor Jack Fisher and the Community Development Advisory Committee voted to contribute $225,000 for the renovation of the center building over a two-year period.

On June 10, 1979, as a token of appreciation, the building was renovated and dedicated to Mrs. H. L. Neblett and the center was renamed "H. L. Neblett Community Center."

The grand opening of the new H. L. Neblett Community Center Multi-purpose Building was held on Wednesday, May 31, 2006.

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© 2004 - 2009 H. L. Neblett Community Center - A United Way Agency - Owensboro Daviess County Chamber Of Commerce

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