Recreation Center, New Fund Named for Atkinsons

Designations Honor Long-Time Community Leaders

YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio – The recreation center in Youngstown’s Arlington Heights neighborhood has been renamed as the Richard W. and Eugenia C. Atkinson Recreation Center in honor of the two community leaders – the late Mr. Richard W. Atkinson, Youngstown Board of Education president and City Council member; and Mrs. Eugenia Atkinson, retired director of the Youngstown Metropolitan Housing Authority.

In acknowledgement and appreciation of this honor, the Atkinson family has established a new fund — the Richard W. and Eugenia C. Atkinson Fund. The fund will celebrate Mr. and Mrs. Atkinson’s commitment to enhancing the quality of life for residents of Youngstown. This is the first grant fund to be established by an African American family in the 106-year history of the Youngstown Foundation.

The renaming of the recreation center and the establishment of the new fund were celebrated at a dedication event today at the center.

“These are two individuals whose names belong on a building – and especially a building like this,” said Youngstown Mayor Jamael (Tito) Brown, who spoke at today’s event. “Like the late Mr. Atkinson, Mrs. Atkinson has been a lifelong champion of our city, and all its residents, and particularly the young people who enjoy our parks and recreation centers. It’s an honor for us to demonstrate our appreciation in this way for the Atkinson family and its legacy of community service.”

The new fund at the Youngstown Foundation has been initiated with a significant contribution from the Atkinson family and is accepting additional donations. The family plans to make annual contributions to the fund.

“The Richard W. and Eugenia C. Atkinson Fund is an exciting new opportunity for thoughtful giving by any individual or organization who shares the Atkinson family’s love for parks, recreation centers and children’s activities,” said Lynnette H. Forde, president of the Youngstown Foundation, who also spoke at today’s event. “We’re very excited that the family is providing resources to support these very important facilities and creating a path for others to join them.”

Mrs. Atkinson retired from the YMHA in 2007 after more than 20 years with the agency, last serving as its executive director. Among her accomplishments was the planning and development of The Homes of Arlington Heights, a public housing development that now features more than 200 homes, including modern owner-occupied townhouses, rental units, a park and the recreation center. It replaced Westlake Terrace, a series of 1940s-era barracks-style brick apartments. In addition to her role at YMHA, Mrs. Atkinson served as a member and chair of the board of trustees at Youngstown State University and as a director of Home Savings Bank and its parent company, United Community Financial Corp.

Mr. Atkinson, who passed away in February, was a life-long member of the community. He served as a member and president of the board of education and councilman for the city’s Third Ward, as well as president of the North Side Citizens Coalition and board chair for the Mahoning/Youngstown Community Action Program. Mr. Atkinson also served on the boards of the St. Elizabeth Hospital Development Foundation, the District XI Area Agency on Aging, Goodwill Industries Housing, Girl Scouts of Mahoning Valley and Youngstown Area Urban League, and was a long-time deacon at Tabernacle Baptist Church.

The Atkinsons were married for 57 years and raised five children, two of whom spoke at today’s event.

“We want to express our deepest gratitude to the city of Youngstown, for the incredible honor of re-naming the center in recognition of our parents,” Najuma and Omari Anderson said. “It’s our hope that the establishment of this fund will continue to inspire future generations in the city they both served and so dearly loved.”