5 Essential Facts About Reverend Shelton E. Doles Community Center (Mount Vernon, NY) And Its Major 2025 Upgrades
The Reverend Shelton E. Doles Community Center, often simply called the Doles Center or Doles Recreation Center, remains a foundational pillar of community life in Mount Vernon, New York. As of December 23, 2025, the center is not just operational but is entering a significant new phase, marked by critical facility upgrades and a continued commitment to serving all ages in the city. This article cuts through the general knowledge to provide the most recent, essential, and unique facts about this vital hub.
This community center, located at 250 South 6th Avenue, is currently a focal point for disaster relief efforts and major infrastructure planning. Recent news from the City of Mount Vernon and local officials confirms its crucial role in everything from senior services to large-scale municipal projects, ensuring its legacy as a central meeting and recreation spot endures for decades to come. The future of this Mount Vernon institution is looking brighter than ever.
The Man Behind the Name: Reverend Shelton E. Doles Biography
The common reference to the "Dole Center" is a slight misnomer; the facility is formally named the Reverend Shelton E. Doles Community Center (or often, the Doles Recreation Center). Understanding the man behind the name is crucial to appreciating the center's deep roots in the Mount Vernon community.
- Full Name: Reverend Shelton E. Doles (sometimes referred to as Dr. Shelton E. Doles).
- Community Role: Reverend Doles was a highly respected spiritual and civic leader in Mount Vernon, New York.
- Key Affiliation: He was closely associated with the Grace Baptist Church in Mount Vernon, a historical anchor for the city's African American community. His work often intersected with the Civil Rights Digital Library, indicating his involvement in broader civil rights and community upliftment efforts.
- Legacy: Naming the community center after him was a tribute to his extensive service, perseverance, and achievements in fostering community connection and providing resources for Mount Vernon residents.
- Impact: The center continues his mission by hosting major community events, such as the annual Mount Vernon Day (formerly Mount Vernon Proud), on its grounds, solidifying his lasting legacy in the city's civic life.
Major 2025 Facility Upgrades: Part of Mount Vernon's UTEN Project
The most significant and current news surrounding the Doles Recreation Center is its inclusion in major municipal infrastructure planning. The facility is slated to receive critical funding and upgrades, ensuring its physical structure can support the community for years to come. This is a fresh development, with plans solidifying in late 2024 and early 2025.
The Funding and Political Support
In a major announcement, Mount Vernon Mayor Shawyn Patterson-Howard and Senator Jamaal T. Bailey confirmed that funding had been secured to spearhead facility upgrades at the Doles Recreation Center. This support highlights the political will to invest in the city's recreational and community assets.
Inclusion in the UTEN Initiative
The Doles Recreation Center is a key component of a larger City of Mount Vernon initiative: the Utility Thermal Energy Network (UTEN) project. This project is focused on modernizing and improving various city facilities. The inclusion of the Doles Center means the upgrades are not just superficial, but are tied to core infrastructure improvements, which may include:
- Energy Efficiency: Modernizing heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems.
- Sewer Rehabilitation: Ensuring the facility's utility connections are robust and modern.
- General Facility Improvements: Enhancing the building's structure and amenities to better serve the high volume of community programs.
These upgrades are vital for maintaining the center's status as a safe and efficient hub for all Mount Vernon residents, especially as the city plans its budgets for 2025 and beyond.
A Vibrant Hub: Core Services and Programs for All Ages
The Doles Recreation Center is the operational heart of the Mount Vernon Department of Recreation, offering a comprehensive array of programs that cater to every age group, from youth to seniors. The center is a "vibrant hub" that inspires creativity, connection, and fun.
Youth and Family Recreation
A primary function of the center is to provide safe, engaging, and structured activities for Mount Vernon's youth. These programs are essential for development and community engagement.
- After-School Programs: Providing a safe and supervised environment for students after school hours.
- Athletics and Clinics: The center regularly hosts free programs, such as weekly baseball clinics, encouraging physical activity and teamwork.
- Summer Camps: Offering a variety of activities to keep children engaged during school breaks.
- Community Events: Hosting large gatherings and events that bring families together.
Dedicated Senior Services
One of the center's most critical functions is its role as a key location for the Mount Vernon Senior Program. The Office for the Aging works closely with the center to develop, administer, and implement programs and services specifically mandated for older residents. The Doles Center is a designated site for senior activities, providing a place for socializing, health services, and recreational activities that combat isolation and promote well-being.
Disaster Relief and Community Support (Current 2025 Focus)
In addition to its regular schedule, the Doles Center often steps up during times of crisis. Recent news from January and November 2025 highlights its use as a central point for community relief efforts. The city has called for volunteers to help sort and organize clothing donations at the Doles Center, demonstrating its crucial function as a logistical and humanitarian center for disaster relief.
How to Access the Doles Center and Its Services
The center's accessibility is paramount to its mission. It is a government-run facility dedicated to public service, making it easy for residents to participate in its many offerings.
- Location: 250 South 6th Avenue, Mount Vernon, NY 10550.
- Department: Managed by the City of Mount Vernon Department of Recreation.
- Partnerships: The center frequently partners with local health organizations, such as the Westchester Community Health Center, to host events and provide services directly to the community.
For residents seeking to volunteer, enroll children in programs, or utilize senior services, contacting the Mount Vernon Department of Recreation is the primary step. The ongoing need for volunteers, particularly for sorting donations, is a current and immediate way for community members to get involved.
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