|
The Anderson Recreation Center is the location of the main business
office for the Parks & Recreation Department. The business office
is open Monday through Friday, 9:00 am to 5:00 pm.
The 11,000 sq. ft. multi-level center features a multi-purpose room
(gymnasium), several classrooms, and a kitchen. The facility is used
for basketball, volleyball, exercise and dance programs, educational
and recreational classes, receptions, and parties.
The facility was named after former Parks and Recreation Director
Jack Anderson. Mr. Anderson was employed by the City of Lompoc for
28 years, retiring in 1986, ending his long standing tenure as the
Director of Parks & Recreation. The historic facility was re-named
in his honor in 1988.
The Anderson Recreation Center was originally built by the federal
government as a USO (United Service Organization) center to serve
the recreational and social needs of military personnel stationed
in the Lompoc Valley. The Walnut Avenue USO facility opened its doors
in September 1942. At one time, it was one of three USO's located
in the Lompoc Valley.
After the war ended, the City of Lompoc purchased the Walnut Street
USO facility from the federal government in 1947 for $20,300. The
facility served the community as a place for organized recreational
services for many years. As the City grew in the 1960's and 1970's,
the center evolved into a cramped City Hall facility --- with all
recreation uses slowly eliminated. Eventually, a new City Hall was
built at the Civic Center Complex (located at East Ocean Avenue and
"D" Street), and opened in 1980.
After much discussion on what to do with the "old City Hall
facility" --- the decision was made to renovate the building
with the assistance of several large grants. The Recreation Center
was restored to its original floor plan and opened its doors to the
public in 1981.
|
