Highlights of our History

The 1940's and '50's: Ralph M. Spacht Founds the first Lititz Recreation Center

February 1944: Ralph Spacht makes a gift of the former John M. Helman warehouse, located at Lititz Springs Park and Spruce Street, to be used as a "Community House."
February 24, 1944: Lititz Record Express - "I bought the building because I felt it would make an ideal Community Center and I want to turn it over to the community without any legal restrictions but with certain moral restrictions. I would to see such things as bowling and an ice cream bar in order that it can be self-sustained. I also would like it to be the center of a community youth program. No liquor and no gambling would be permitted - and those are the moral obligations. As for the details - they must be worked out - then I will make a gift of the building and do not intend to have any further say as to the manner in which it is run." Ralph M. Spacht
July 10, 1945: The newly refurbished warehouse is dedicated as “Lititz Recreation Center”. Richard Fleckenstein has designed a patriotic façade for the three-story framed structure, featuring a white building trimmed in red and blue. The distinctive building is captured in many paintings by Lancaster County artist Charles X. Carlson.

1960's and '70's: A new and expanded recreation center for Lititz...

June 30, 1959: Growing population, the increased availability of leisure time, and structural problems in the original building lead to plans for a new recreation center. Elmer H. Bobst, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Warner Lambert Pharmaceutical Company, announces a gift of $125,000 toward a new community building.
December 1959: The properties adjacent to the original recreation center are purchased - Charles and Norma Brown for $11,250 and the Lititz Springs Pretzel Co. for $5,200). All three buildings were razed to make room for construction of a new recreation center.
June 23, 1960: A fund-drive for a new building is launched to raise $50,000, headed by Herbert Kraybill. Notable donations included:
- youth of the community donated $3,200, raised by holding dances and other functions
- A.B.C. Club held a Minstrel Show raising $1,750
- Girl Scouts held a rag collection
- Lititz Community Bowling League donated $15
August 5, 1960: Groundbreaking for the $192,000 construction project begins.
September 30, 1961: The new 11,000 sq. ft. “I Walton Bobst Community Center” is dedicated.

1980's and 1990's: Growing Into the Lititz Community Center

1984 - 1986: Growth in Lititz population and in the popularity of indoor sports and recreation leads to community surveys and plans to construct a 44,000 sq. ft. facility with an indoor pool.
May 2, 1987: Groundbreaking for the $1.5 million “Lititz Community Center” building begins on land leased from Lititz Borough behind Warwick High School.
June 21, 1989: A symbolic walk from the building at 21 North Spruce Street to the new building at 301 West Maple Street, concluded with a dedication service.
December 2005: Cherished recreational facilities within the Lititz Community Center are in great need of reinvestment and refurbishment. Plans are made to launch a $2 million renovation and expansion project.
September 2006: The newly renovated “Lititz recCenter” is dedicated with the opening of a state-of-art Fitness Center.
January 2010: Phase I of continued upgrades and expansion at Lititz recCenter results in doubling the size of the Fitness Center to 6,000 sq. feet in response to demands for personal training and fitness programming.
September 2010: Phase II groundbreaking takes place for construction of a second Indoor Pool at Lititz recCenter.
February 2011: The $ 2.5 million expansion is completed as one of the largest indoor aquatics recreation centers in Lancaster County, with an 8 lane Main Pool and a new Splash Pool with 4 lanes and a water play area.
September 2011: The Main Indoor Pool is refurbished after 22 years of community enjoyment.