A new family center is about to break ground in East Salinas.

Celia Jiménez here, thinking about the importance of community spaces that provide a place for people to socialize, learn and organize. In Salinas, the Hebbron Family Center was always buzzing, from daylight to sundown, with people of all ages coming to practice sports, learn new skills or enjoy the company of others. 

It closed during the pandemic and never reopened, because it was deemed unsafe (due to its foundation issues, mold and a decayed roof). People in the surrounding area lost an important space to build community, but that is about to change in the near future.

Tomorrow, Sept. 28 is the groundbreaking ceremony for the new Hebbron Family Center.

“When I'm going into the neighborhood, there are people that are stoked, are so excited, and they're just like, ‘holy smokes, we're gonna have the newest recreation center in Salinas here in our backyard,’” says City Councilmember Orlando Osornio.

The center used to be a church. When the Hebbron family donated it to the city, it became a family center and an important space for many low-income families in East Salinas, one of the most populated areas in the city. 

This project has been on the radar for the public since 2021, when the city received $8.1 million in state funds. In total, the project will cost over $14 million. (The rest will come from other sources including American Rescue Plan Act and Community Development Block Grant funds).

“That was one of the highlights of my youth, being able to interact with others, making new friends in these programs,” said Maraly Escalante ‌when the announcement was made. 

“This building is a cornerstone for that neighborhood,” says Kristan Lundquist, Salinas’ library and community services director, noting it offered about 100 programs per month—including early education, after-school programs, sports and more. 

The city reached out to the community for the new building to make sure it will fulfill their needs. People provided feedback on the type of building and areas they wanted in the center. 

“It's really community-driven and centered on what the community wants,” Lundquist highlights. 

The new center will provide indoor and outdoor spaces and a multi–use area for baseball, basketball and soccer.

The groundbreaking ceremony starts at 11am. The city is also hosting the Hebbron Harvest Celebration, from 11am-3pm at 683 Fremont St. in Salinas with different activities for kids, food vendors and local agencies providing resources.

If the project goes according to plan, the new Hebbron Family Center will open in December 2025.

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