02 Feb Kevin Plank Donates $5M to Rec Center
Kevin Plank, the CEO of Under Armour, is donating $5 million for a new East Baltimore community center. Under Armour is also donating $1.275 million to support programming.
The funds are coming from Plank’s Cupid Foundation, according to the Baltimore Sun. The renovations at the recreation center at 1100 E. Fayette St., money will add more than 10,000 square feet to the facility, including a new turf field, dance and yoga space, a recording studio and a neighborhood kitchen. A classroom for science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) will also be part of the building. The space was formerly known as the Carmelo Anthony Center.
Under Armour is also donating $1.275 million to support activities at the center over several years.
Living Classrooms currently provides year-round programming for students at the facility. The nonprofit will operate the renovated center and oversee programming, which will include education, leadership, health and wellness, community engagement and workforce development.
“We have been active in our community for many years, working with schools, families, hospitals and first responders,” Plank said in a statement. “Now, more than ever, we need to double down on that commitment. Baltimore is our home, and we will always show up and do our part.”
The center reopened in 2006 as the Carmelo Anthony Youth Development Center, after the Knicks star gave $1.5 million to support its operations for five years,
“The revitalization of this community center will allow Baltimore City residents of all ages to access the services and support they need to be successful, ultimately improving life in our city for everyone,” Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake said in a statement. “By collaborating on this project, Under Armour and Living Classrooms Foundation are setting an example for others to follow as we work together to grow Baltimore.”
Plank’s donation follows a string of investments he and Under Armour have made in the city. His real estate arm, Sagamore Development, recently unveiled plans for a multibillion-dollar development at Port Covington.A 50-acre Under Armour headquarters will be part of the project.