UNIONTWP, Lawrence County — A former miniature golf course is the home of many memories for Lawrence County officials and the Butler County Community College president.

All who spoke Thursday said they would like to make it the home of more memories — these of the educational kind.

At the ground breaking ceremony in the field that was once Riley's Fun Spot, the future of the college's Lawrence CountyCenter was marked.

"Our hope is we can create as many memories for our students as Riley's did," said Bill O'Brien, vice president of off-campus sites.

Designed to feel like a campus, the $2 million center will be built by Leo Golba of New Castle and leased to the college.

The 25,000-square-foot building will house seven classrooms and three computer labs, among other features. The land along Route 224 also will have a restaurant, a coffee shop, a child care center and parking lots.

It is expected to open in May or June with about 500 students. Classes also will continue at the Lawrence County Learning Center and the Lawrence County Career and Technical Center, O'Brien said.

Nick Neupauer, BC3 president, said the center is "bringing a campuslike setting to the citizens of Lawrence County." The vision for the college when it was founded included regional campuses, and that is becoming real with this expansion, he said.

Neupauer told the audience gathered under the tent when it began to rain that he was an Ellwood City native who was glad to see the college have more of a presence in the county. He also joked about the times he spent at the site when it had golf courses, go-cart tracks, trampolines and a driving range.

Several associate programs will be offered at the center, O'Brien said. Additionally, the college also will announce agreements with La Roche College and Point Park University that allow four-year degrees to be completed at the center.

A public open house of the facilities is expected in August.

O'Brien said there is the possibility that another 25,000 square feet of space could be added to the 13.4 acre site.