Ribbon Cutting Celebrates New Joyce A. Langeliers Family Center in Thurston

Community leaders, project partners, and neighbors gathered Saturday, February 28, to celebrate the grand opening and ribbon cutting of the Joyce A. Langeliers Family Center in Thurston, an exciting new space designed to bring people together and support youth and families in Springfield. Hundreds of attendees came out for the celebration, hearing remarks from community leaders and touring the new facility throughout the day.

Developed by the Thurston Life Foundation, the center at 5807 A Street sits just south of Thurston High School and reflects a shared vision to create a welcoming hub for connection, support, and community life. Years of planning, fundraising, and collaboration helped bring the project to life, resulting in a space built specifically for the needs of the Thurston community.

“Whether it’s students coming over from the high school at lunchtime to sit around the table and experience community, or a birthday party with a family, or adults coming in after a football game on a Friday night, this will be a place that we can truly experience community and celebration with one another.”

– Ron Sauer, Board Chair, Thurston Life Foundation

Courtesy of Arbor South Architecture

The Family Center includes two buildings connected by an outdoor plaza and inviting common areas designed to encourage people to gather and spend time together. The northern building features Washburne Cafe East, offices, counseling services, and comfortable gathering spaces that will host after-school activities, meetings, and community conversations. The southern building is home to Track Town Pizza and a large community room that can accommodate celebrations, events, and gatherings throughout the year.

Speakers at the ribbon cutting included Vonnie Mikkelsen, President and CEO of the Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce; Springfield Mayor Sean VanGordon; Ron Sauer, Board Chair of the Thurston Life Foundation; Bob Scroggins, also serving on the Thurston Life Foundation’s board; and Roger Langeliers, who was instrumental in the purchase of the property and who’s wife, Joyce, is the Center’s namesake. Each spoke about the power of partnerships and the importance of creating spaces where people can connect and support one another. Other notable attendees included Lane County Commissioner David Loveall, Ward 1 City Councilor Michelle Webber, and Ward 5 City Councilor Andrew Buck.

The Springfield Chamber is proud of its member businesses that played key roles in the Thurston Family Center project, including Dorman Construction, Arbor South Architecture, Harvey & Price, Third Generation Painting, and McKenzie Roofing, demonstrating the power of collaboration in bringing meaningful community projects to life in Springfield.