La Jolla Recreational Center facts for kids
Quick facts for kids La Jolla Recreational Center |
|
---|---|
![]() The La Jolla Recreation Center in 2013
|
|
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 special historic building. It is a recreation center in the La Jolla area of San Diego, California. A kind person named Ellen Browning Scripps asked for it to be built. It was designed by a famous architect, Irving Gill. The center was finished in 1915. Ms. Scripps then gave it to the City of San Diego. In 1973, it became a San Diego Historic Landmark. This means it is an important building to protect.
A Look Back: The Center's History
This center was first called the Children's Playground and Recreation Center. It has always had a play area for kids. It also has the main building for activities. The center officially opened on July 3, 1915.
Ellen Browning Scripps had one main rule for her gift. She said the building must be open to everyone. It didn't matter what a person's background or beliefs were. The first director, Archibald Talbot, started in 1919. He worked there until 1952. He and his wife, Agnes, created many fun sports programs. They especially loved baseball and tennis.
What's Happening Now: The Center Today
Today, the center is known as the La Jolla Recreation Center. The City of San Diego runs it. The building still looks much like it did in 1915. It hosts many sports and fun activities. It is also a meeting place for local community groups. These groups help make decisions for the La Jolla area.
The center celebrated its 100th birthday on July 25, 2015. The director of the La Jolla Recreation Council said something important. They said the center is a "centerpoint for La Jolla." Many generations of families have grown up playing there. This is exactly what Ellen Browning Scripps wanted. She wanted children to have a place to have fun.