South Tacoma Activity and Recreation Center, better known as STAR Center, is far from the average community center. With activities ranging from hands-on culinary classes to a state-of-the-art fitness facility, STAR Center offers the community a place to connect, play and stay fit. On an average day, members can be seen dropping into a Zumba class, gathering to meet for a study session or hitting the gym with friends.
After countless meetings and listening to the needs of residents, Metro Parks Tacoma created a place that is as diverse as it is welcoming. South Tacoma needed a place where people could really connect with one another and their community.
STAR Center supervisor Kristy Gledhill has been with the facility since November but has a long history with Metro Parks. Her enthusiasm for the center and the community it serves is contagious. “STAR Center was conceived by the community itself to be a gathering spot for Southwest Tacoma and a place where people could go to connect and learn, stay active and have fun. I see that happening here all day, every day,” says Gledhill. Diversity is at the heart of everything at STAR Center. Creating an environment that is both welcoming and meaningful is part of what makes the center so special.
STAR Center also offers versatile space for events from birthday parties to business meetings. Catering is available to groups through the on-site Subway Compass Café.
Plans to expand the SERA (South End Recreation and Adventure) Campus are already underway and feature a spray ground, which will open next to the existing playground this June along with an events lawn and multiuse playfield. Future plans include a multiuse sports field, skate park and zip line, just to name a few.
For additional information:
STAR Center
3873 – 66th St, Tacoma
253.404.3939
starcentertacoma.org
ANDREA LERUM