FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Sept. 26, 2013

MEDIA CONTACT
Anita Gallagher, Office of Deputy Mayor Marty Campbell, anita.gallagher@cityoftacoma.org, (253) 591-5166

Feasibility Study Underway for New Eastside Community Center
--Eastside Community Invited to Share Ideas at Public Open House on Oct. 2-- 

Inspired in part by the tragic 2011 shooting death of Billy Ray Shirley – a teen from Tacoma’s Eastside Neighborhood who had been outspoken about the need for healthy, safe activities for local youth – the City of Tacoma has partnered with Metro Parks, the Tacoma Housing Authority and the Tacoma School District to conduct a feasibility study for a new Eastside community center. This study, which is expected to be completed in early 2014, will address service gaps and community needs in the areas of health and recreation activities, social gathering spaces, and educational and cultural opportunities.

“This is an exciting time,” said Deputy Mayor Marty Campbell, who also represents District 4 on the Tacoma City Council. “The discussions about this project with our partner organizations have been great so far, and I’m looking forward to hearing more input from the community at this meeting.” 

A public open house, hosted by the Eastside Neighborhood Advisory Council, has been scheduled for Oct. 2 at 6:30 p.m. in the Stewart Heights Pool Splash Room (402 E. 56th St. in Tacoma). Attendees at this event will form small focus groups to brainstorm ideas for programming, site location, and what they believe a community center should look like. It will be the first of two opportunities for community members to share their ideas.