The Latino Health Access community center was developed to provide a gathering spot in the community to promote healthy, active families. Consistent with this ideal, the design of the building also strives to be healthy for the community and the planet. As the first community-driven recreational and educational public space of its kind promoting health and wellness in a resource-challenged community, this center represented a historic effort.
A mother brought the park concept to Latino Health Access and then additional parents joined to form Parents with Green Hearts. Local families, provided input into the project design, planned to have a prominent volunteer role in the maintenance of the facility and grounds, and helped to raise funds to support construction of the project. McCarthy Building Companies, Taylor Design, and Petra ICS (formerly St. Joseph Health System) donated numerous hours of architectural and preconstruction services.
Programs and services offered by the center include health promotion and disease prevention, children’s initiatives, mental health, and community engagement and advocacy.
Program: The community center encompasses 2,500 sf, with a full-size kitchen, lobby, office space, restrooms, large multi-purpose room, community educational and meeting space, audio-visual equipment, a portable stage for large community events, and mobile room dividers. The park has open field play areas, a half-size basketball court, two playgrounds with age-appropriate equipment, and restrooms.