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The Community House features a multi-purpose room, kitchenette, gender-neutral restroom, storage room, accessible office for recreation staff, public Wi-Fi, and shaded outdoor gathering space.
In addition, new outdoor restrooms have been added to the park. The project's design incorporates period details that align with the historic character of the neighborhood.
Daniel Sánchez, the project’s Design Lead from ONYX Architects, commented,
This project has been many years in the making, spearheaded by the Friends of Washington Park and their former President, Betty Sword. ONYX worked closely with the community, city staff and the Friends of Washington Park to design a space that could be used for a variety of functions or events, that is an example of sustainability and contributes to the character of the historic park designed by Theodore Payne and Ralph Cornell.
The idea for a community center at the park originated in the early 2000s when the city partnered with local architecture firm ONYX, the Friends of Washington Park and the Theodore Payne Foundation to implement an updated master plan. The plan aimed to retain and enhance the park's historic look and feel while incorporating native plants and a community house.
Although renovations to the field, installation of new playground equipment, and construction of a pergola were completed, the community center project faced delays. However, thanks to the persistence of all involved, construction on the 2,000 square foot facility began in 2022. Now complete, the new community center is expected to serve as a hub for community activities and gatherings for years to come.
The park has a rich history dating back to 1920 when the city purchased a three-acre vacant lot to create one of its earliest public parks. The original designers embraced the natural landscape’s changes in elevation, implementing river rock walls, natural pathways, and a rustic stone bridge.
