Get updates on Eastside Community Center at open house Nov. 18

Community will be able to see design progress, talk with planners.

The public can get an update on plans for the new Eastside Community Center, including early site and building designs, at an open house on Nov. 18.

Metro Parks Tacoma is working with Tacoma Public Schools, the City of Tacoma, Tacoma Housing Authority, the Greater Metro Parks Foundation and other community partners to develop plans for the Eastside Community Center, which will include an event space, an aquatics center, and a variety of multi-use activity spaces.

The Nov. 18 open house will take place from 6 to 8 p.m. at Salishan Family Investment Center, 1724 E. 44th St. Tacoma. ARC Architects, which has led the design team, will share visuals of the work completed so far. Metro Parks Tacoma managers also will be available to provide updates about conversations with community organizations regarding programs that might be offered at the center.

"We have collected lots of feedback from community partners, including a steering committee of local residents and leaders. There is still a lot of work to be done, but this is a good time to stop and give the public the opportunity to look over the work done so far, share comments, and ask questions," said Andrea Smith, a member of the Metro Parks Tacoma Board of Commissioners who serves on the project's Executive Committee.

The community center will be built on the campus of First Creek Middle School, located at East 56th Street and Portland Avenue. Metro Parks and a growing group of government, private sector and nonprofit partners continue to discuss options for building, operating and maintaining a facility that provides healthy and safe activities for youth and residents.

Anyone who is unable to attend and has questions may contact Project Manager Jeremy Woolley at (253) 305-1031 or jeremyw@tacomaparks.com. Residents also can keep up to date on progress by checking the project website, www.metroparkstacoma.org/eastside.

Open house:

What: Eastside Community Center open house
When: Wednesday, Nov. 18, 6 to 8 p.m.
Where: Salishan Family Investment Center, 1724 E. 44th St., Tacoma