The Pensacola City Council chambers were packed with passionate community members last Thursday as elected officials deliberated on one of the most significant youth development projects in recent memory.
- After thoughtful discussion and debate, the council approved, 6-1, the land lease for the Rafferty Center.
Why this matters: At the heart of this story lies an extraordinary act of generosity. The Southern Youth Sports Association (SYSA), led by Commissioner Lumon May, will construct a $3-million state-of-the-art facility, paid with private donations and a state grant, to serve Pensacola’s youth for decades to come.
Addressing Historical Inequities
The most compelling aspect of this project is its commitment to addressing long-standing disparities in youth opportunities across Pensacola.
“I grew up at Calona and Callaway, I grew up at Bill Gregory and Terry Wayne when the kids at Bill Bond had nice equipment and the poor black kids on the west side didn’t have an opportunity,” Commissioner May explained. “And so the reason that I go out and raise this type of money is because God has allowed me that opportunity to do that… We are trying to give our children the same thing that other children have.”
Smart Financial Structure for the City
While some council members raised concerns about operational costs, the financial arrangement heavily favors the city. Rather than Pensacola taxpayers funding construction, they receive a fully-built facility in exchange for maintenance responsibilities estimated at approximately $52,500 annually.
- Council member Charles Bare, who supported the project, drew an important distinction: “The difference is that the funding is not coming from us. The funding is coming from our private source, so I can separate the two… The fact that SYSA gets near exclusive control in this facility is not as big of a challenge to me because they’re building the facility, they’re paying for the facility.”
Mayor Reeves put the costs in perspective, noting that over 46 years, the city’s contribution amounts to roughly $840,000 in today’s dollars – a fraction of the facility’s construction value. “Someone is putting up $3 million, and over the next 46 years, we get 30 hours a week of access to a building, and it costs us $800,000-ish over 46 years.”
Ensuring Public Access
Critics worried about public access to the facility, but the lease agreement specifically protects community use. The city retains access from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., Monday through Friday, with additional availability when SYSA isn’t using the facility with reasonable notice.
- It should be noted that the city is converting the Fricker Center, which is a three-minute drive from the Theophalis May Community Center, into a senior center.
Council Vice President Allison Patton sought clarification on how residents could access the facility: “If somebody wants to use, if a yoga class wants to meet on Monday morning at 9:00 a.m. using the center, how do they achieve that?”
Mayor Reeves confirmed that requests would be routed through the Parks and Recreation department, just like any other city facility, ensuring a clear process for community access.
A Model for the Future
The Rafferty Center approval represents exactly the kind of public-private partnership that forward-thinking communities should embrace. It leverages private philanthropy to address public needs, demonstrates fiscal responsibility, and creates lasting infrastructure for youth development.
- The Rafferty Center will serve as more than a sports facility – it will be a hub for mentorship, character development, and opportunity creation.
During the discussion, Commissioner May said, “My life mission has been coming back and dedicating and trying to bring about equity and bringing about opportunities for children.”
The Raffery Center will help Commissioner May and the City of Pensacola accomplish that mission.