About Us
The Washington Street Community Center was founded by community leaders in 1967 to provide a facility that would assist in the "neighbor helping neighbor" concept in an increasing mobile society. The Center was originally named the Washington Park Community Center. The name was changed in 1999 to the Washington Street Community Center.
The Center is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization. WSCC has been a United Way agency since 1972 and annually meets the standards of that organization.
Volunteers are the backbone of the Center providing over 2,500 hours annually to further our mission. The building has been remodeled through city bond issues in 1995 (upgrading of mechanical systems), 1998 (playground renovation) and 2000 (kitchen remodel).
Since its creation in 1967, WSCC has continuously provided a place to meet, learn and socialize for young and old area residents.
More History
The original building the Center is in was built in 1907 by the Ohio Avenue Congregational Church. In 1966 the church merged with the Washington Park Congregational Church (located at 400 So. Williams). Phil Goodstein, author of South Denver Saga, picks up the story from there:
"Under the leadership of Elizabeth Clark, the Washington Park United Church of Christ suggested the Ohio Avenue structure be used as a community center. The Colorado Conference of the United Church of Christ agreed and, with the support of the Washington Park United Church of Christ and seven other neighborhood churches, the building was remodeled and opened as the home of the incorporated non-profit Washington Park Community Center in 1967."