Object Record
Images
Metadata
Object Name |
Center, Community |
Collection |
Metro Parks Tacoma - Permanent Collection |
Date |
1941 |
Description |
The unassuming white building at the corner of South Tacoma Way and South 50th Street traces its origins to World War II. In 1941, the United States Army leased land at South Park to build a United Services Organization (USO) facility. The one-story building included a snack bar, kitchen, clubroom, library, hobby workshop, and a 3,000 square-foot auditorium. In late 1944, the USO closed its doors, and handed management over to Metro Parks Tacoma (MPT). Two years later, the USO sold the building to MPT for use as a community center. In the mid-20th century, this community center was the only large indoor recreation center in the Park District. The center offered a full schedule of handicraft classes including shell art, metal etching, ceramics, block printing, photo tinting, and basketry. Many of the crafts were displayed at events throughout the year. Additionally, the center offered drama and dancing classes, athletic programs, and social outings for teens and adults. Over the years, South Park Community Center was remodeled and enlarged but it maintained its role as a place to learn new skills and attend a wide range of camps and programs, all set within a lovely urban green space. In 2012, the STAR Center opened in South Tacoma as a new facility for recreation, and South Park Community Center was leased to the Asia Pacific Cultural Center. |
Location |
South Park |
Object Number |
SP - 001 |
Web link |
Asia Pacific Cultural Center |