The ASH Centre.....so far!
The Academy of Sports and Health (ASH) Centre became th
e official name of the property formerly known as Tahcumwah Sports and Recreation in January 2007. The mission of this community project is an exciting one that brings great opportunities to NE Indiana.
The former Tahcumwah Sports and Recreation Facility is a 26 acre complex located at the Freeman/Taylor Street intersection on Fort Wayne's west side.
- When the facility was constructed in the 1960's, it included an outdoor adult softball complex, indoor soccer field, and a concession stand area. The property was owned by Mr Carl Horn who was responsible for its early success
- Tahcumwah was a major tournament site for regional softball events that attracted teams from throughout the Midwest for nearly twenty years.
- When the ownership was transferred in the early 1980's, a gymnasium was constructed and a full restaurant operation was introduced. However, through a series of events and lack of reinvestment into the project, the property was not maintained at a quality level and business at the complex diminished.
- Anthony Wayne Services became the owner of the Tahcumwah property in the 1990 time frame and used the facility for several of their community programs that provide service for those with disabilities. Plans were developed to renovate the facility into a major recreational/day care
operation; however, costs did not merit these efforts. As a result, the facility did not receive much needed maintenance and upgrades. - In 2004, a non profit organization founded by Mr Brad Kimmel began working with Anthony Wayne Services to identify ways the facility could be used to effectively serve the community. Through this research and assessment, it was determined that the facility had great potential to become a multi-purpose facility that could be used for diverse, community-based programs within the community.
- In 2006, Kimmel led the effort to acquire the facility and designate the 26 acre complex for community development. The focus of this project has been to assist service organizations in developing and expanding their service to the community through collaborative efforts.
- The facility had many infrastructure, safety, and building code issues that were identified and remedied.
- A needs assessment quickly determined that this facility could meet the needs of programs for seniors, youth, and special needs. This gave purpose and mission to the project.
- The name - Academy of Sports and Health Centre - was adopted to help present the goals of the project. (The mission exceeds that of a sports or recreation facility.)