For 50 years, Kenston Community Education (KCE) has been a cornerstone of the Auburn and Bainbridge Township communities, providing residents with opportunities to learn, play, and grow together.
Established on March 15, 1976, by Auburn Township, Bainbridge Township, and the Kenston Board of Education as the Auburn-Bainbridge Recreation Board, the organization was founded on the idea of utilizing shared community spaces—parks, school gyms, and classrooms—to create accessible recreational and enrichment opportunities for residents of all ages.
Today, KCE continues that mission while serving nearly 19,000 residents through hundreds of programs, classes, and sports leagues each year. From toddler programs and youth athletics to adult classes and senior activities, KCE offers opportunities for every stage of life.
Operating as a nonprofit and self-funded organization, KCE receives no direct taxpayer funding for its operations. Instead, programs are supported through registrations and community participation, allowing the organization to provide a wide range of affordable activities while supporting instructors, volunteers, and local families.
Over the decades, KCE has grown significantly. In the early 2000s, the organization expanded its role by combining with the Kenston Athletic Association to manage recreational sports programs, including football, baseball, softball, basketball, lacrosse, volleyball, wrestling, cheerleading, and dance.
Beyond sports and classes, KCE plays a vital role in building community connections. Many volunteers, coaches, and staff members began their journey as participants themselves, creating a generational cycle of involvement and support.
Since 2016, KCE has operated out of the Gardiner Center, expanding its ability to offer daytime programming for toddlers and senior adults while continuing to coordinate the use of school and township facilities for community programs and events.
As KCE celebrates its 50th anniversary, the organization reflects on five decades of bringing neighbors together and creating lifelong memories for families throughout Auburn and Bainbridge.
To commemorate this milestone, special 50th anniversary logos appear on team shirts, coaches receive commemorative swag, and a community celebration planned for the Fall will kick off fundraising for a new turf field that will serve KCE participants for decades to come.
KCE invites community members—past and present—to help celebrate by sharing their favorite memories and photos from KCE programs, teams, and events over the years. Please send your photos to kcecommunityrel@gmail.com, including your name, year, a brief description, and the impact KCE has had on your life.