Three Rivers College partners with Poplar Bluff Parks and Recreation on new Bess Activity Center

POPLAR BLUFF, Mo. (KBSI) – Not one but two natural disasters caused major damage to a Poplar Bluff activity center, now years later they have finally built back.

 A major investment in health, wellness, and community the best activity center of Poplar Bluff has officially opened its doors.

Monday April 13, 2026, two open houses were held for community members to check out the new Bess Activity Center.

Heather King is the Assistant Director of Housing and Student Life for Three Rivers College she shares details on what the activity center has to offer.

“Today we are showcasing our new basketball courts, our pickleball courts, Rocky’s cafe has been completely remodeled” says King. “We have our fitness center, our two fitness studios where you can do Pilates, yoga, body set and our e-sports arena.” 

After setbacks from multiple natural disasters and more than two years on the project a brand-new activity center is open. King shares Three Rivers College partnered with Poplar Bluff Parks and Rec on the project.

“What kind of made it possible were two natural disasters. Two years ago, there was a flood that flooded like four inches of water in the bess activity center” says King. “So, the basketball court and everything was flooded. So, we already were kind of in the process of doing a remodel and a revamp and then last year we got hit by the tornado.” 

King shares there was a big community need for an activity center, promoting health, wellness and physical activity for students and community members.

Alex Jameson is the E-sports Coach for Three Rivers College. He shares that electronic sports is gaming at a competitive level and the fast-growing sport is a great addition for students with an entire E-sports room located inside the new activity center.

“Just like any athletic sports this gives students an opportunity to come and showcase their skills at the collegiate level” says Jameson. “It’ll draw in students and give them an opportunity to be in a spotlight that they may not have had an opportunity to be in before really just let them shine and be a part of that college community environment.” 

For hours and location: Poplar Bluff Parks and Recreation – Bess Activity Center