Miami To Build Aquatic Complex

After much planning and anticipation, trustees, guests, community dignitaries and members of the staff broke ground for Lubavitch Educational Center of Miami’s Dr. Ira S. Barton Aquatic Center.

It is the latest in a number of expansions to the school’s growing campus, which will feature a large swimming pool, wading pool and splash zone for toddlers.

Next to a beautiful artist’s rendition of the center, guests were welcomed by Rabbi Benjy Korf, head of the school. He individually thanked the trustees of the fund who made this gift possible— Mr. Asher Dadon, Mr. Eyal Anavim, Mr. Yossi Duchman, Rabbi Dovid Shapiro and Mrs. Batsheva Williamson.

Rabbi Korf also noted the presence of Mr. Randal Hill, a former player for the University of Miami football team, who resides in the school’s district and is a big supporter of Israel; Rabbi Yehuda Kaploun, a parent in the school who works tirelessly on behalf of the Jewish community; and members of the Miami Gardens Police Department.

Before the actual groundbreaking, Rabbi Korf spoke of the project’s namesake, Dr. Ira S. Barton, obm. He was a man who paid attention to the fine details of things, desiring everything to be exact and perfect. Yet, he was much more than that, and had a kindness and concern for every Jewish child. He did not want them to lack for anything and was very proud of Lubavitch Educational Center. Every visit to the school would inspire in him a desire to support and expand the facility further. Throughout his lifetime Dr. Ira S. Barton was known for his philanthropy and dedication to Jewish causes.

“LEC is truly proud to serve as the home of the Aquatic Center that will bear his name,” said Rabbi Korf.

Mrs. Batsheva Williamson, a cousin to Dr. Barton, spoke of the concept of erecting a structure from the foundation. This notion was important to Dr. Barton, and the building of the center is a true fulfillment of his wishes.

Mr. Eyal Avavim sponsored Ice Cream for every child at LEC, in honor of the event.

The Aquatic Center will be a beautiful state of the art facility that will be an important feature of the school’s Camp Gan Israel summer day camp, and will play a role in LEC’s physical education program.

Lubavitch Elementary School is a part of Lubavitch Educational Center, which also includes Lubavitch Preschool and Beis Chana Middle and High School for Girls. The campus, which includes a seven-story facility, three-acre sports field and preschool playground and water park, is located at 17330 Northwest 7th Avenue, Miami, FL 33169. Under the directorship of Rabbi Benzion Korf, the school serves children from pre-nursery through 12th grade.