Demolition of the old center began last Tuesday following asbestos mitigation and utility shutoffs, according to Ogden City Public Services Deputy Director Justin Anderson

“Proper permitting has been obtained so we’re able to move forward,” he said, adding that the demolition phase could last several weeks. “The schedule is, in the coming two or three weeks it’ll be coming down, being hauled off, the site will be shored up and cleared of things. Once that’s done, we’ll start on construction and getting ready for foundations and other utilities.”

Once construction is underway, Anderson said, it will take a little over a year and a half to complete the new facility. Completion is expected around February or March 2025.

Meanwhile, the public is being invited to see the the next step in making the new Marshall N. White Community Center a reality.

A groundbreaking ceremony has been scheduled for 9 a.m. onTuesday, July 18, just north of the outdoor basketball courts on the Marshall White Center campus.

Anderson said he knows that this is a bittersweet time for those who frequented the center as the building begins to come down.

“I know there’s a lot of people in the community that — as we are — are saddened to see the building that’s been the Marshall White Center for so many years for so many people being removed,” he said. “That’s a hard thing for people to see. But we also are looking forward to the future and the recreation center that will be the new Marshall White Center … that will be standing for generations of people to use in the future.”

The new Marshall N. White Community Center will be around 68,000 square feet and feature community space for various activities including cooking seminars and fitness classes, an exercise area, a gym, a pool, a field house and a running track. The outdoor basketball courts from the original center will be retained.

“This has been a long process to get to this point and we recognize the community for their patience and for all those who have been involved in the process, especially those on the Marshall White Center Committee which included Marshall White’s family,” he said. “We are very grateful for their participation and all of the participation of the community. We’re really looking forward to the groundbreaking ceremony that’s going to be taking place and recognizing the community.”