It’s easy to get caught up in the present, but sometimes looking back helps us understand where we’re going. So, let’s take a trip in the wayback machine to 1966. The Beatles were dominating the charts, “Star Trek” premiered on television, and the Vietnam War was escalating. It was a time of change, social movements, and a growing sense of community in many places. In the South Bay, this spirit manifested itself in a burgeoning interest in community centers, places where people could connect and engage.
Back in 1966, Los Gatos had its own community center.
That’s back in the day when bell bottoms were hip (again, apparently) and we knew how to really connect. Our town fathers and mothers cleverly transformed the old library at 123 Main Street into a happening hub for young and old alike. “Los Gatos Community Center”—those words weren’t just a sign, they were a statement: “We value community, people!”
Back then, the community center craze was sweeping the South Bay, and Los Gatos was an early adopter, a trendsetter, if you will. Our leaders understood the radical concept that people need a place to gather, learn, and, you know, actually talk to each other. This foresight created a community cornerstone, a place where memories were forged, friendships blossomed, and maybe a few awkward dance moves were perfected.
Fast forward to today, and…well, let’s just say things have “evolved.” That proud “Los Gatos Community Center” sign? Gone. Vanished. Poof! While the original building still stands, it now houses a rather cozy (read: cramped) Youth Activities Center. Our Adult Recreation Center? Also cozy and apparently having a mid-life crisis requiring extensive TLC. Our once-vibrant, unified community center? Fragmented. Scattered. It’s like trying to find all the socks after laundry day.
Meanwhile, our neighbors? They’ve been busy. They’ve been investing. Many surrounding towns and cities now boast shiny, state-of-the-art community centers that are the envy of, well, us. These aren’t just buildings; they’re destinations. Think of light-filled spaces that practically beg for Instagram photos, cutting-edge tech, versatile rooms for everything from weddings to Zumba, and cozy corners for, you know, just chilling. They cater to everyone, from energetic kids to wise seniors, making life better for all.
And Los Gatans? We’ve been dreaming of this for eighteen years. Eighteen! That’s practically a generation. The 2007 Los Gatos Civic Center Master Plan laid it all out: a new library and a fabulous 32,000-square-foot community center. We got the library (it’s gorgeous, we admit), but the community center? It’s been stuck in “coming soon” mode for way too long.
What happened? Life happened. Money got tight, other priorities popped up, and our community center dreams were, sadly, put on the back burner. But the need? It’s only gotten stronger.
So, Los Gatos, it’s time to rise and shine! We’ve waited long enough to reclaim that central gathering place, a space that reflects our town’s awesomeness. It’s time to build a spectacular new community center for generations to come, a place where memories are made, skills are honed, and community bonds are unbreakable.
But here’s the kicker: this vision needs you. A dedicated campaign is now underway to reignite the community center dream. We need your help to make this a reality.
First things first: spread the word! Tell your friends, tell your neighbors, tell your dog walker. Let everyone know the campaign is officially ON.
Next, head over to our website: lgcommunitycenter.org. There, you can dive into the vision, see the amazing benefits, and, most importantly, sign up for email updates. Stay in the loop on events, progress, and how you can lend your voice and support.
Finally, do yourself a favor: visit a modern community center. If you’re out and about in the Bay Area, drop in. Experience the buzz, the activities, the community. Imagine that for Los Gatos. Having done the local community centers tour, I can tell you my favorite is the one in Los Altos.
Together, we can make this new community center dream happen. Let’s channel our town’s spirit and build a future with a vibrant, modern community center. It’s time to show the world what Los Gatos is made of!
The Community Center Campaign is counting on you. Let’s build this. Together.
