City of Port Huron – Harvey Community Center
Community: City of Port Huron
Population: Over 12,001
Project Description
Once largely closed to the public and underutilized in Port Huron’s South Park neighborhood since 2020, the Eleger G. Harvey Community Center reopened under City operation in September 2025 with a clear purpose: to transform it from a simple rental facility into a vibrant, community-centered hub. With targeted investment including capital improvements, modernized technology, and the creation of flexible, welcoming spaces that serve a wide range of needs, the Center sees nearly daily activity.. and we’ve only just begun. In addition to still providing hall rental space, the Center hosts programming of residents of all ages, family-centered events, small business pop-ups, and community gatherings that foster belonging and engagement. By prioritizing people and partnerships, the Center has become a cornerstone of neighborhood revitalization and pride. The Harvey Community Center exemplifies community excellence through its measurable impact, intentional growth, and dedication to creating a more connected and thriving South Park.
Is your project easy to replicate in other communities (clear in its impact and execution for other communities)?
While every community is unique, the approach used in the Eleger G. Harvey Community Center project is highly replicable. At its core, this project demonstrates a clear framework for revitalization by identifying underutilized or vacant public space, aligning efforts with the needs and desires of the community, and bringing together residents, stakeholders, and city leadership to shape a shared vision for the future.
Through meaningful engagement, collaborative planning, and intentional programming, communities can reimagine underused spaces as vibrant hubs for connection, recreation, and opportunity. While the physical conditions and local partnerships will differ from place to place, these guiding principles can be successfully adapted to support revitalization efforts in other communities.
What is the Community Wealth Impact (based on one or more of the categories you selected) of your project?
The Harvey Community Center advances community wealth by directly addressing quality-of-life disparities and expanding access to safe, welcoming spaces that support physical, social, and emotional well-being. Located in Port Huron’s South Park neighborhood, the Center has been intentionally reactivated as a hub where residents of all ages can gather, access resources, and participate in programming that promotes healthier lifestyles and stronger social connections. By offering free and low-cost events, youth engagement opportunities, and family-centered activities, the Center reduces barriers that often limit participation in wellness-focused experiences.
More than just programming, the Center provides consistent opportunities for connection, belonging, and community pride. Partnerships with local organizations and small businesses further expand access to services and resources. The Harvey Community Center not only improves individual well-being, but builds long-term community resilience, making health and social equity a priority in everyday public life.
Describe the creativity and originality of your project.
The Harvey Community Center reflects a creative and original approach to community development by imaging that a neighborhood facility can be more than just a place people rent, but can be a place people belong. With that vision, the City invested in an existing, underutilized space and intentionally programmed it as a flexible, community-driven hub that evolves with community needs. This model allows the Center to seamlessly host youth activities, family events, small business pop-ups, and civic gatherings under one roof, breaking down traditional silos between services and audiences.
What sets the project apart is its people-first design and responsiveness. With community members serving on the Harvey Advisory Committee, the Center is shaped by real-time community feedback and partnerships with local organizations, ensuring relevance and accessibility. Ultimately, the Eleger G. Harvey Community Center represents what’s possible when a city invests not just in a building, but in the people and potential that can bring it to life.
Project Multimedia
The Eleger G. Harvey Community Center, previously Reinvestment Center, is in the process of being purchased by the City of Port Huron. In the meantime, we have entered into an agreement that allows us to operate the Center as if owned by the City.
The City has invested nearly $100,000 in various upgrades and improvements to the facility to make it a modern, welcoming space for rentals and programs.
Various entities, from recreational opportunities to non-profits to support groups, now call the Center home. The once closed Center now sees nearly daily activity with more onboarded each month.
This is just the beginning for the Harvey Center. With a dedicated Harvey Advisory Committee guiding the City, the Center will remain community-focused and an active hub South Park and the entire Port Huron community.