By Gina Yarbrough
Oceanside, CA–A ribbon-cutting ceremony and reopening celebration was held for the John Landes Community Center Saturday morning in North County.
The center was reactivated this month by the city’s Oceanside Parks and Recreation, Housing and Neighborhood Services, and the Library Departments.
Oceanside Mayor Esther Sanchez and City Manager Johnathan Borrego joined city council members, state representatives, and the community to celebrate the reopening of the center.
The renovated facility includes a full-service library, a community room, study rooms, an after-school program for youths, summer camp, dance, tumbling, and adult programs such as Aikido, dance classes, and aerobics.
The center, located at 2855 Cedar Road in Oceanside, was reactivated by the Oceanside Parks and Recreation, Housing and Neighborhood Services, and the Library Departments.
After the expiration of its lease agreement with Mira Costa College last year, and with American Rescue Plan Act funding, the John Landes Community Center facility received fresh paint throughout the building, new flooring in select rooms, a library area, computers for community use, upgraded restroom fixtures, and new fencing and lighting. Additional facility improvements included a shade structure in the patio areas and an upgrade to the patio play area.
“The thing that stands out with the center as opposed to some of our others is the fact that we do have three departments actively working in this space here,” said Borrego.
The city’s Housing and Neighborhood Services Department staff will work at the center to assist residents and provide resources, referrals, and services that address mental health, social services, and overall well-being. They will help with food distributions, medical and transportation assistance, job training opportunities, and community events.
The Oceanside Public Library completed a Community Engagement Project to better assess the needs of the neighborhood surrounding Landes Community Center. As a result, the staff has opened a library inside the facility. The library offers books for all ages, study rooms, computer access, online resources, and free family programs.
The 10-acre facility was originally developed in 1963. It was named for John Landes, a former city clerk for the City of Oceanside.
The John Landes Community Center’s hours are Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
For more information, visit the City of Oceanside website.
