La Jolla Recreational Center
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| La Jolla Recreational Center | |
|---|---|
 The La Jolla Recreation Center in 2013 | |
 Interactive map of the La Jolla Recreational Center area | |
| Alternative names | La Jolla Recreation Center |
| General information | |
| Location | 615 Prospect St., San Diego, California, U.S. |
| Coordinates | 32°50′36″N 117°16′40″W / 32.84336°N 117.27782°W |
| Inaugurated | July 3, 1915 |
| Design and construction | |
| Architect | Irving Gill |
The La Jolla Recreational Center is a historic recreation center in the La Jolla neighborhood of San Diego, California. It was commissioned by philanthropist Ellen Browning Scripps on property adjacent to her home, and designed by San Diego architect Irving Gill.[1][2] The center was completed in 1915; Scripps donated it to the City of San Diego the same year. On September 7, 1973, it was designated as San Diego Historic Landmark #86.[3]
The facility was originally called the Children's Playground and Recreation Center and has always included a children's play area as well as the recreation center building.[4][5] It was dedicated on July 3, 1915. Scripps stipulated in the gift bequest that the building must be open to any person, regardless of "race, creed or opinions."[6] The first recreation director, Archibald Talbot, was hired in 1919 and remained until 1952. He and his wife, Agnes, developed a vigorous program of sports, particularly baseball and tennis.[6]