The Halifax Regional Municipality is pleased to announce the Dartmouth Sportsplex will officially reopen next month as the Zatzman Sportsplex.
The name change comes after a $750,000 donation to the facility, announced today by Mayor Mike Savage and the Zatzman family.
The well-established Dartmouth family was looking for a way to honour their patriarch, Joseph Zatzman, and the newly revitalized sports facility was a perfect fit.
“Our father’s life and devotion to Dartmouth was remarkable in many ways,” said Michael Zatzman. “His consistent goal throughout his life was to make Dartmouth a better place to live and work. This new facility – and what it means to the community – aligns perfectly with Dad’s life mission.”
The five-year donation ($150,000 per year) to facility operations includes a commitment to programming that will enhance and expand the community’s access to, and involvement in, the sports complex.
“The Zatzman family has been building community, especially in Dartmouth, for many years,” said Mayor Savage. “Joseph Zatzman’s remarkable life was marked by perseverance, success, and generosity – both as a citizen and as a dedicated public servant. I am delighted that the Zatzman family has chosen to recognize his great contributions by supporting the new Dartmouth Sportsplex.”
Dartmouth Sportsplex board chair Brad Smith said there’s something special about linking the Zatzman name to the recreation centre. “The Zatzman family has such a strong history of supporting and building the Dartmouth community. And to have this heritage continue with their support in the newly revitalized Zatzman Sportsplex is fitting of this legacy.”
The new Zatzman Sportsplex will reopen on Nova Scotia Heritage Day (Feb. 18), with regular operations starting on Monday, Feb. 25.
When fully operational, the facility will include a new double gymnasium, new fitness centre, new pool attractions – such as a new large waterslide, climbing walls, children’s splash area – and new community spaces.
About Joseph Zatzman
In 1934, Joe Zatzman, at only 22-years-old, bought a small grocery store in Dartmouth, on the corner of Portland Street and Victoria Road. His family had no money at that time, but his father was somehow able to sign a note for $500 at the Royal Bank for Joe to use to start his store.
The business, called the Community Groceteria, entailed long hours of work, endless stock taking, and constant catering to customer demands. From these humble beginnings, Joe slowly worked his way up the financial ladder. His honesty, integrity, and willingness to help people in need was quickly noted by the community. Slowly but surely Joe was encouraged to take a more active role in the leadership of Dartmouth, serving four terms as an alderman, and two terms as mayor.
His accomplishments were many, but some stand out as visionary, most particularly the creation of Burnside Industrial Park.
He also taught his family to become involved in community service, and his son, Michael, followed his example through his life in business, politics, and volunteerism in Halifax and Dartmouth.
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Source : Media Release
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