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Progress
Sunday, March 24, 2002
THE PEOPLE: Activities geared for kids, senior citizens RUTH LONGORIA THE OLYMPIAN
TUMWATER -- Delighting in their historical roots hasn't caused people here to lose sight of their future.
The town's rich past and hopes for the future are balanced by an administrative focus on activities and programs for young and old.
"I believe that one thing that sets Tumwater apart from some other cities is (Mayor Ralph Osgood's) emphasis on parks and recreation programs," said Doug Baker, Tumwater's city administrator.
"Ralph really cares about the people of Tumwater, and his focus on parks and recreation and youth is reflected in a lot of the programs here," Baker said.
Many of those programs revolve around Tumwater's Old Town Center. Previously a privately run program, Tumwater's Parks and Recreation department took over administration of the facility in December 2001.
The building has become the center of activity for senior citizens and youths, said Todd Anderson, recreation supervisor for the city of Tumwater's parks and recreation department.
"It's very obvious that the city of Tumwater is interested in the youth of Tumwater; Old Town Center is a great example of that," Anderson said.
The center is at 215 N. Second Ave. S.W., a building previously used as City Hall.
Senior citizen lunches, musical jam sessions and other activities fill the center during the mornings and early afternoons. After 2:30 p.m., the center becomes the destination of dozens of young people.
"I don't know what I'd do if I didn't come here," said Tor Thornton, 11, a student at Tumwater Hill Elementary School.
Tor and his brother, Trev'r, 9, have been participating in activities at the center for the past three years.
Trev'r said he enjoys the center because it's where all his friends hang out, including James Pelham, 9, a fourth-grade student at Michael T. Simmons Elementary School.
On a recent Wednesday afternoon, Tor and Trev'r watched as James attempted to win a game of chess against youth program coordinator Jenna Stephens, 26, of Olympia.
"Oh no, that's it," James said as he found no way to protect his king.
After the game concluded -- with a win for Stephens -- the boys ran off to join a game of basketball in progress.
"The kids and their parents really appreciate this place," Stephens said. "I hear all the time from parents how grateful they are that the center is available."
At the center, youths can play basketball, pool, computer and board games and participate in tutoring and learning activities.
Friday night activities at the center are devoted to teen programs and include live music from middle school and high school bands.
Other youth programs
But the center isn't the only place in town to find quality youth programs.
Since its opening Oct. 15, the Boys & Girls Club of Thurston County has offered recreational activities for youth in a building on the Tumwater High School campus.
That facility is not operated by the city of Tumwater, but has blended in well with the city and the needs of the community, Baker said.
In addition to running Old Town Center programs, Tumwater's parks and recreation department coordinates middle school dances and teen programs, including bowling nights and skiing and camping trips.
"We've had great success with the dances and teen nights," Anderson said. "An average of 500 kids come to the dances, and that's a lot considering there are only 1,000 middle school kids in Tumwater."
Anderson said he enjoys working for the city because of his love for young people.
"I do what I do to make the most difference for kids," he said. "What we do to help these kids is important for their future and that of the town."
Anderson, 25, is a Timberline High School graduate. In 1998, he earned a bachelor's degree in recreational leadership from Western Washington University.
Working with senior citizen programs is new to him, he said.
However, a combination of youth and senior citizen activities at the center isn't that difficult to manage, Anderson said.
"I enjoy working with both age groups; kids and seniors aren't that different," he said. "Seniors know a lot of everything, and teens think they know a lot of everything. They're both enjoyable."
Ruth Longoria covers Tumwater for The Olympian. She can be reached at 360-754-5435 or rlongori@olympia.gannett.com.
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