Solomon Calhoun Community Center
1300 Duval St
St. Augustine,Florida
HOURS: Dawn to dusk
Rentals
The Solomon Calhoun Center is a 24,000 square-foot community center located within walking distance of many residents of West Augustine.
AMENITIES INCLUDE:
- Full-size gymnasium
- Swimming pool
- Splash park
- Community rooms
- Sports fields
YMCA Administrative Office
(904) 471-9622 or staugaquatics@gmail.com
Solomon Calhoun Pool: (904) 824-6770
Pool / Weather Hotline: (904) 209-0380
Aquatics & Pool
Masters Swim
Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at 6 a.m.
We are inviting swimmers 18 and older to get a swim training workout! Workouts will focus on stroke efficiency, speed, and endurance.
Spring Swim Lessons
March-May, 2024
As “America’s swim instructor,” the YMCA teaches children that water should be fun, not feared. By equipping kids with the tools they need to be confident in and around the water, they’ll be able to reap the health benefits of exercise, bond with friends and family and take pride in their new skills- safely.
Thanks to charitable contributions, the YMCA of Florida’s First Coast can offer financial assistance to those who qualify.
Fees
- Daily – Senior / Child $2.00, Adult $3.00
- Multi-Use Cards (12 swims) – Senior / Child $12.00, Adult $18.00
- Annual Pass – $112.00
Lap Swim Reservations – Available online by visiting the First Coast YMCA webpage.
Programs
Aquatics Programming provided by: St. Augustine Family YMCA
YMCA Swimming Program – Register for the Rays Swimming Club, where swimmers can learn stroke techniques and conditioning and play fun games. Rays practice on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday evenings from 5:30-6:30 p.m. For fees and more information, please call (904) 824.6770.
SCCC Pool Programs – The Solomon Calhoun Community Center Pool is a Junior Olympic-sized swimming pool in addition to a lesson pool with a splash area. We host lap swim, adult lap swim, recreation / open swim, swim lessons, the SJC Jr. Lifeguard Program, and the St. Augustine Cyclones Swim Team
For more information please contact:
- Northeast Florida Community Action Agency
This non-profit community action agency provides assistance to the community with food, utility assistance, employment programs, credit counseling, and other support. For more information on these programs, call (904) 824-0978 or visit NFCAA.net. - St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office
Weed and Seed Program: a U.S. Department of Justice community-based initiative, is an innovative and comprehensive multi-agency approach to law enforcement, crime prevention, and community revitalization. - West Augustine Athletic Association
The West Augustine Athletic Association is a volunteer based organization. They provide football, cheerleading, dance, and stepping. Future programs include flag football, basketball, softball & summer sports conditioning program. For more information on these programs go to www.leaguelineup.com.
The Solomon Calhoun Community Center in St. Johns County, Florida, has a rich history of community-oriented improvements aimed at enhancing recreational facilities and public spaces. Some notable aspects of its development include:
Establishment and Early Development
The Solomon Calhoun Community Center was established to provide a recreational hub for residents of St. Johns County, emphasizing community engagement, fitness, and youth programs.
Facility and Infrastructure Upgrades
Over the years, the center has seen improvements such as new playground equipment, upgraded sports facilities, and the addition of multipurpose rooms to accommodate diverse activities.
Park Improvements and Beautification Projects
Recent efforts have focused on enhancing outdoor spaces, including landscaping, walking trails, picnic areas, and outdoor fitness zones, to promote outdoor recreation and community.
Community Engagement and Funding
Local government initiatives and community feedback have played vital roles in prioritizing improvements, often involving funding through county budgets, grants, and partnerships.
Some of these partnerships include:
• YMCA Aquatics: Offers swim lessons, lap swim, and recreational swim for all ages, including a Junior Olympic-sized pool and splash area.
• Fitness & Sports: Hosts adult fitness classes, youth sports leagues, and open gym time in a full-size gymnasium.
• Swim Lessons & Lifeguard Training: Provides water safety education and junior lifeguard programs to build confidence and skills.
• Youth Athletics: Through the West Augustine Athletic Association, kids can participate in football, cheerleading, dance, and more.
• Community Events & Rentals: The center offers flexible spaces for meetings, workshops, and celebrations, fostering neighborhood connections.
• Weed and Seed Program: A crime prevention and community revitalization initiative in partnership with the Sheriff’s Office wellness.
Recent and Planned Improvements
Ongoing projects aim to modernize the center’s amenities, improve accessibility, and expand recreational opportunities, reflecting a commitment to adapting to community needs.
Other improvements include but are not limited to the following, which total over 3.5 million.
2011- Construction of Little League Baseball Fields, a lightening protection system and concession stand.
2016 – Solomon Calhoun Pool & Deck Resurfacing
2021- Public Pool Upgrades 2022- Repaint and refurbish of onsite buildings, canopies, and roof
2022-Replace Air Conditioning Units
2025 – Refinished the Gymnasium Floor
2025- Installation of Sound Panels in the Gymnasium
2025 – Park Improvements to include artificial turf football field, restrooms, stadium seating as well as other improvements to the park’s amenities.
Solomon Calhoun was a long-time educator, mentor, and coach in St. Johns County. St. Johns County is pleased to honor this long-time educator and community activist by naming the Solomon Calhoun Community Center after him. The naming was initiated by residents, requested by the West Augustine Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA), supported by the St. Johns County Recreation Advisory Board, and approved by the St. Johns County Board of County Commissioners on April 7, 2009.
Born in 1905 in Alpine, Alabama, Calhoun grew up in Alpine and Talladega before spending two years at Clark College in Atlanta, where he studied and played football. He then transferred to Florida A&M University, excelling both in the classroom and on the football field. Calhoun holds the distinction of being the first Florida A&M football player to be named first-team All-American, an honor he received in 1934.
Calhoun also earned a bachelor’s degree in 1936 and a master’s degree in 1955, both from Florida A&M University. He also studied at Ohio State, Florida State, and the University of Florida and spent most of his life as an educator, teacher, coach, mentor, and community leader in St. Johns County. In December 1936, Calhoun married Linnie Lucinda Smith; together, they reared and influenced many youth in the community, too numerous to name. Calhoun passed away in 1989 after a full and productive life.
Calhoun’s long resume includes the Hastings (FL) Vocational Training School, Excelsior High School (St. Augustine), Bunnell Carver High School (Nassau County), and Florida Memorial College. Calhoun also worked for the Florida East Coast Railroad Company, served as principal of Excelsior Elementary School, was director of Pupil Welfare in St. Johns County, and owned the Chapin Street Grocery and Washeteria in St. Augustine.
Calhoun’s community service was vast, impacting many individuals throughout his lifetime. He was a charter member of the St. Johns County Chapter of the North East Florida Community Action Agency, was an active member and Sunday School teacher at St. Paul A.M.E. Church, and also served on the committee for the naming of the renovated Orange Street School Administration Building. He held memberships in the NAACP, Grand United Order of Oddfellows, San Sebastian and Elks Lodge, St. Johns County Retired Educators Association, National Retired Teachers Association, St. Johns County Mental Health Association, Venetian Club, and Clique Social Club.