HPUMC announces plans for new Family Activities Center

Highland Park United Methodist Church is excited to announce plans to build a new state of the art Family Activity Center.

Plans for the new building were unanimously approved by the University Park City Council on July 5th. This is the first of many steps, leading up to the project’s formal launch during HPUMC’s capital campaign in early 2017.

As HPUMC continues to grow in size and impact, so does the need for more space to accommodate its ever expanding Family and Special Needs Ministries. It was determined that the land owned by the church on Hillcrest, known as the Biggers recreational facility, would provide the most cost efficient option for the new building.

Rev. Matt Tuggle, Director of HPUMC’s Family Ministries, says the new building will allow the church to engage with the surrounding community on a deeper level.

“This new facility will give us the opportunity to connect with more students,” Rev. Tuggle explains. “Our hope is that it will become a trusted community landmark, a place where parents know that their youth are not only safe, but known, liked, and valued by both peers and mentors.”

The new Family Activity Center will also feature an entire floor dedicated to HPUMC’s Special Needs Ministry, allowing the church to maintain current programing while enhancing the ministry at the same time.

“It is our hope and prayer that with this additional space we continue to meet the unmet needs of the community as we strive to live into ministry with and by those with special needs,” said Rev. Tuggle.

The facility will include a new worship venue as well, providing innovative and engaging worship opportunities for youth and families. Rev. Tuggle says the worship facility will serve as a training ground to develop and mentor future clergy for the United Methodist Church.

The facility will still be home to recreation facilities, providing the community with programs such as athletic groups, classes, and camps. The most notable additions will be dedicated spaces for HPUMC’s Youth and Special Needs ministries.

“We are a church that is committed to partnering with our surrounding neighborhoods and communities, and provide our facilities for youth and those with special needs, but our hope is that other groups will utilize the facility blessing for generations to come,” said Rev. Tuggle.