“Our goal is simple: let’s work together to plan a brand new, state-of-the-art, community center that will welcome all age levels and be something that we can all be proud of in Los Gatos…Your input, community input, is what will take this to the next level!”
They put on their thinking caps and got to work.
On Thursday, June 20 at the Los Gatos Masonic Hall, the Los Gatos Community Center Project began its investigation, organized by Los Gatos Thrives Foundation, of what our community would like in a new central hub.
Ginger McDonald, Tom Picraux, Alan Feinberg, Ryan Rosenberg, Vice Mayor Matthew Hudes and Tylor Taylor were well-known local faces on the agenda at the gathering of this dynamic group.
Extensive research is going into what would fit best in our community. The question “Why do we need a community center?” was explored.
The main consensus among attendees was to be recorded in the group breakdown, with majority rule—a democratic tradition. Urban planning interns Adilene Moreno and Tishrona Godfrey assisted in the preparation of this dreaming workshop.
Imaginations Run Free
Pre-registered participants as well as those who dropped by were given a number at registration and told to sit with their group.
Each had a moderator and a scribe.
Picraux gave an introduction and Feinberg, a Los Gatan history columnist, welcomed participants and provided useful information.
Attendees learned details about other community centers in the Bay Area.
There were easels, markers and huge notepads stationed throughout the meeting hall.
Discussion Points
Within the groups, voices were heard and noted.
Moderators asked what people appreciated about the other centers and what they didn’t.
Generally, most of these active folks in Los Gatos favored the goal of having a larger and more inclusive community center.
As more Los Gatans enter the semi- or full-retirement generation, the needs of the community are changing. Participants commented that the existing center needs updating, and the town has outgrown the existing community center and recreation facilities.
Some asked, why not have a large venue for local events, available for rentals, and then invite in small conventions and seminars?
Did someone say buffet?
A delicious buffet dinner (meats provided by Los Gatos Meats) was provided after the first group breakdown.
Afterwards, the group again met to hear the summaries.
Attendees discussed opinions about “must have,” “nice to have” and “not needed” items.
Hudes and Picraux concluded with closing remarks and next steps, including how to engage further and support the mission to create a new community center.
A timeline for 2024 was shared.
The way the event played out suggests that the community center project is a goal within reach.
And then, in true Los Gatos style, folks gathered for a wine and dessert social.
