03:14 PM EST on Thursday, March 9, 2006

LOUISVILLE, Ky. -- Metro Councilman Jim King (D-10) joined Metro Parks officials on Thursday afternoon to officially rename Derby City Community Center for Cyril Allgeier.  Allgeier, who was honored during a reception at the facility, is a former Alderman and Metro Councilman who led efforts to build the community center at 4101 Cadillac Court, behind the Louisville Zoo.

"Without Cyril's leadership, this community center wouldn't be here, so it's a fitting tribute to rename this facility the Cyril Allgeier Community Center," said King as he unveiled a sign with Allgeier's name.  King sponsored the Metro Council resolution that renamed the facility.

Mayor Jerry Abramson, who signed the ordinance into law, said: "Cyril's legacy can be seen throughout the 10th District, from improvements in Camp Taylor Park and the Louisville Zoo, to his support of Ministries United of South Central Louisville and infrastructure projects such as new sidewalks and drainage improvements.  Given his dedication to youth initiatives, I can't think of a better way to thank him than naming a community center after him."

Cyril Allgeier Community Center, which opened in 1997, features a gymnasium, a multi-purpose room for recreation programs and meetings, and a large kitchen.  It offers summer camps, basketball leagues, a game room, and more.  Metro Parks built the 13,000-square-foot facility with $1.6 million the Regional Airport Authority paid to acquire the old Highland Park Community Center, as part of the expansion of Louisville International Airport.

Allgeier, who was joined by several members of his family, expressed his appreciation for the decision to place his name on the building.  "I was proud to serve my neighbors on the Board of Alderman and Metro Council for 23 years, and I'm truly honored that this community center will bear my name.  I want to thank Jim King and Metro Parks for this touching gesture."

Allgeier served as Fourth Ward Alderman from January 1982 until the merger of city and county governments on January 6, 2003, at which time the citizens of the new 10th District elected him to serve on the first Metro Council.  After Allgeier announced his retirement, King was elected in November 2004.

Cyril Allgeier Community Center is open Monday to Thursday from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., Friday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.  For more information, call (502) 456-3261.