The Salvation Army of Summit County Celebrates Gymnasium Restoration with Rededication
AKRON, OH — October 5, 2026 — The Salvation Army of Summit County celebrated the restoration and rededication of its gymnasium with a ribbon-cutting ceremony recognizing the generous support of The Gregory Hackett Family Foundation and Akron Community Foundation. Their funding made possible a capital project to refurbish and restore the gymnasium floor, helping ensure that one of the most heavily utilized spaces at The Salvation Army's main location remains safe, welcoming, and accessible to the community.
he restored gymnasium is far more than a basketball court. It is a multi-purpose community space used every day to provide wrap-around services and opportunities for youth, families, unhoused friends, volunteers, and neighbors in need.
"Because of the generosity of The Gregory Hackett Family Foundation and Akron Community Foundation, we are able to restore a space that touches so many lives every single day," said Captain Bramwell Applin, Summit County Area Services Coordinator. "This gymnasium represents much more than a floor. It is a place where children learn, families receive nourishment, young people build relationships, neighbors find community, and people are reminded that they are valued. We are incredibly grateful for this investment in the physical health, well-being, and hope of our community."
A Space That Serves the Community Every Day
- The gymnasium serves as a central gathering and programming space for a wide range of Salvation Army services and community activities, including:
- Learning Zone Childcare/Preschool, providing early education and care for children ages 18 months through Kindergarten.
- Learning Zone Afterschool/Out-of-School Programming, serving children ages 5–12.
- Youth programming for ages 13–25, including the Wednesday Open Gym program from 6–8 p.m.
- Community Table Hot Meals, which provides meals Monday through Friday from 11 a.m. to noon.
- Community outreach events, including the annual Back-to-School Bash held August 14.
- Volunteer engagement, including the Volunteer Appreciation Luncheon held on August 22.
- Adult recreation, seasonal distributions, community activities, and countless other gatherings, programs, and activities throughout the year.
A Gymnasium With Akron History
The restored gymnasium also holds a special place in Akron basketball history.
LeBron James and his St. Vincent–St. Mary High School basketball teammates grew up playing basketball in this same gymnasium. During the years when the gym's Open Gym program was led by Envoy Phil Engle, the current pastor of The Salvation Army's Akron Citadel church, James participated alongside friends and other young people from the community.
Envoy Phil Engle remembers those years fondly, along with the young people who regularly gathered in the gym.
The gymnasium's connection to James's basketball story continued decades later when Shooting Stars, the 2023 biographical sports drama chronicling LeBron James's high school basketball career, was partially filmed on location in the same gym.
While the space holds a notable place in Akron's basketball history, its greatest legacy remains the people it serves every day.
Investing in Physical Health and Well-Being
Restoring the gymnasium floor is an investment not only in a building, but in the physical health, wellness, development, and community connection of the people The Salvation Army serves.
Through recreation, youth development, nutrition, education, outreach, volunteerism, and community gatherings, the gymnasium gives people of all ages opportunities to be active, build relationships, access essential services, and feel a sense of belonging.
"The generosity of our funders allows this space to continue serving generations of Akron families," said Captain Applin. "We are grateful to The Gregory Hackett Family Foundation and Akron Community Foundation for recognizing the importance of preserving this space and investing in the people who use it."
The Salvation Army of Summit County extends its sincere appreciation to The Gregory Hackett Family Foundation and Akron Community Foundation for their generous investment and partnership in restoring this important community asset. For more information about The Salvation Army Summit County Area Services, to volunteer, or make a donation, visit SalvationArmySummit.org or call 330-762-8481.
