Cerritos Senior Center at Pat Nixon Park
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The Cerritos Senior Center at Pat Nixon Park is a 27,500-square-foot public recreational clubhouse in Cerritos, California targeted towards the 50-and-over demographic. It was originally dedicated on January 29, 1994. The $3.5 million senior center is located within the Pat Nixon Park, a four-acre park that occupies the site of the former First Lady's childhood home and truck farm, where she lived from 1914 until 1931.
[edit] Development and architecture
The aging of the baby boomers in Cerritos and elsewhere prompted efforts to plan and develop a clubhouse type center that would focus on services to the rapidly growing senior population. Some qualities sought for the project included a place for senior citizens to socialize, participate in educational programs, receive human services, and enjoy recreational activities. The center needed to provide a focal point for community involvement.
Cerritos leaders agreed in placing the senior center in a relatively central location. Not only did Pat Nixon Park make the center more accessible for drivers, but the location also ensured that routes from the Cerritos On Wheels transit system to additional points of interest such as the Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts, Los Cerritos Center, the Cerritos Towne Center and the Cerritos Millennium Library would not require a significant commute for seniors who could not drive.
Wolff, Lang, Christopher Architects Inc. was chosen to design a building different from the city of Cerritos's ultramodern style tendencies. The developers decided upon an inviting, homey American Craftsman style structure with rustic river rock and wood framework and trellises.
The interior of the senior center offers two lounges and ample space for classes and activities, crafts, computer usage and matinees. A large tank with exotic fish and a World Hall for special exhibits were also included. Multipurpose rooms provided stages and kitchens for celebrations and programs. Outside, a park surrounding the center with patio and barbecue areas, koi fishponds and lawns completed the landscape.
In March 2006, as part of Cerritos's golden anniversary, a 5,000-square-foot wellness and fitness room was added and dedicated in order to help local seniors stay healthy and remain active.
[edit] References
- Eftychiou, A., & Cenovich, M. (2006). Cerritos at 50: celebrating our past and our future. Virginia Beach, VA: The Donning Company Publishers.
- "First Lady Hailed on Return 'Home': She Dedicates Park at Site of Childhood on Coast", The New York Times, 6 September 1969, page 18.
