La Jolla Recreational Center facts for kids
Quick facts for kids La Jolla Recreational Center |
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The La Jolla Recreation Center in 2013
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| Alternative names | La Jolla Recreation Center |
| General information | |
| Address | 615 Prospect St. |
| Town or city | San Diego, California |
| Country | U.S.A. |
| Coordinates | 32°50′36″N 117°16′40″W / 32.84336°N 117.27782°W |
| Inaugurated | July 3, 1915 |
| Design and construction | |
| Architect | Irving Gill |
The La Jolla Recreational Center is a historic building in the La Jolla area of San Diego, California. It was built thanks to a generous gift from Ellen Browning Scripps, a well-known helper of good causes. The center was designed by Irving Gill, a famous architect from San Diego.
The building was finished in 1915. Scripps then gave it to the City of San Diego. Because of its history and design, it was named a San Diego Historic Landmark in 1973.
History of the Recreation Center
The center first opened on July 3, 1915. It was originally called the Children's Playground and Recreation Center. From the very beginning, it had both a play area for kids and the main recreation building.
Ellen Browning Scripps had one very important rule for her gift. She said the building must be open to everyone. This meant people of all backgrounds and beliefs could use it.
In 1919, Archibald Talbot became the first recreation director. He worked there until 1952. He and his wife, Agnes, created many fun sports programs. They especially focused on baseball and tennis for the community.
What Happens at the Center Today?
Today, the center is known as the La Jolla Recreation Center. The City of San Diego manages it. The building still looks much like it did when it was built in 1915.
The center hosts many sports and fun activities. It is also a popular meeting spot for local groups. For example, the La Jolla Town Council and the La Jolla Community Planning Group meet there.
On July 25, 2015, the center celebrated its 100th birthday! The director of the La Jolla Recreation Council shared how special it is. They said it has always been a "centerpoint for La Jolla." Many generations of families have grown up playing there, just as Ellen Browning Scripps hoped.
