Pat Nixon Park facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Pat Nixon Park |
|
|---|---|
A statue of the late former First Lady Pat Nixon, for whom
Pat Nixon Park is named, with senior center in background |
|
| Type | Neighborhood park |
| Location | Cerritos, California, USA |
| Area | 4 acres (1.6 ha) |
| Created | 1967 |
| Status | open |
Pat Nixon Park is a neighborhood park located in Cerritos, California. It is named after Pat Nixon (1912-1993), who was the First Lady of the United States. The park covers about 4 acres (1.6 hectares).
This park is special because it sits where Pat Nixon's childhood home used to be. She lived there from 1914 to 1931. Today, a Senior Center stands where her home once was, and the Patricia Nixon Elementary School is also nearby.
Contents
Cerritos Senior Center: A Community Hub
The Cerritos Senior Center at Pat Nixon Park is a large building for people aged 50 and older. It is about 27,500 square feet (2,555 square meters) in size. This center first opened on January 29, 1994. It cost $3.5 million to build and is located right inside Pat Nixon Park.
Why the Senior Center Was Built
As more and more people in Cerritos grew older, the city wanted to create a special place for them. They planned a clubhouse-style center to help the growing number of senior citizens. The goal was to give older adults a place to meet friends, learn new things, get help if they needed it, and enjoy fun activities. The center also aimed to be a central spot for community events.
Choosing the Best Location
City leaders decided to put the senior center in a central spot. Pat Nixon Park was a great choice because it was easy for drivers to reach. It also made it simple for people using the Cerritos On Wheels transit system to get to other important places. These places include the Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts, Los Cerritos Center, the Cerritos Towne Center, and the Cerritos Millennium Library. This meant seniors who couldn't drive could still easily visit these spots.
Design and Features of the Center
The architects chose a warm, homey American Craftsman style for the building. It has rustic river rock and wood, with decorative trellises. This design was different from the city's usual modern buildings.
Inside, the senior center has two lounges and plenty of space for classes and activities. There are rooms for crafts, computers, and even movie showings. You can also find a large tank with exotic fish and a World Hall for special exhibits. Multipurpose rooms have stages and kitchens for parties and programs. Outside, the park around the center offers patios, barbecue areas, koi fishponds, and green lawns.
In March 2006, the center added a new wellness and fitness room. This 5,000 square foot (465 square meter) room helps local seniors stay healthy and active. It was part of Cerritos' 50th anniversary celebration.
Statue Honoring Pat Nixon
In April 1996, the Cerritos City Council decided to put up a "life-size, full-body" bronze statue of Pat Nixon. They chose Ivan Schwartz to create the statue. He had also sculpted statues of ten world leaders for the Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum in Yorba Linda. The statue was officially dedicated on March 1, 1997. It stands in the rose garden of the senior center.
Pat Nixon's Childhood Home Site
Pat Nixon's childhood home was located at the corner of South Street and Ely Avenue. She lived there from 1914 to 1931. The city of Cerritos bought the property in 1967 from Mrs. Nixon's brother. Sadly, the home was destroyed by a fire in 1978. Today, the bricks used in the memorial at the park are from the home's original fireplace and chimney.
