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What is the Swarthmore Community Center?
What is the Center’s mission?
Where is the Center located?
How can I rent the Center?
What programs does the Center offer?
When are Mardi Gras, the Dog Show, or the Haunted Attic?
How many people does the Center hold?
What is the Swarthmore Community Center?
The Swarthmore Community Center is a place where people from the community gather to enjoy varies activities, fundraisers and family oriented events. The building was originally a gymnasium for a small private school which existed in the early 20th century. The first floor was a swimming pool and the second floor housed two bowling alleys and a shooting gallery. Since 1976, the Center has been maintained by the non-profit organization “Swarthmoreans for a Community Center (a.k.a. Swarthmore Community Center)”.
The principal purpose of the Swarthmore Community Center is to provide a meeting place, club room and recreational area wherein community members can conduct educational and recreational activities on a not for profit basis. This would include educational classes, social gatherings, non-profit fundraising activities, teen and/or adult dances and individual private parties celebrating important life time events.
The Center is located in south Swarthmore adjacent to the Swarthmore College baseball fields. The Center sits directly behind the Swarthmore Presbyterian Church (whose street address is 727 Harvard Ave). We are conveniently located off I-476 (Blue Route), Swarthmore-Media exit. After exiting the Blue Route, take Baltimore Pike (Route 1) north (right turn) past the Springfield Mall to Route 320. Turn South onto Route 320 (right turn) and proceed into Swarthmore Borough. Continue south on Route 320 (Chester Road) under the train station underpass until the first cross street which is Harvard Ave. Turn right onto Harvard Ave and right into the first driveway. Once in the driveway, bear to the left and the Community Center is the large building on the right. Our front door is marked with a small blue awning (Community Center).
The Community Center is rented to individuals for private parties primarily on Friday evenings, Saturdays and Sundays (with some exceptions). If you are interested in renting the Center you can get more information by e-mailing the Center Director, SteveVanderwolf, at vanderwo@verizon.net . If you would prefer to contact Steve by phone, please call the Center’s voice mail at 610-328-5186. Please leave your name, telephone number (where you can be reached during the day), and the date you are interested in renting. Your call will be returned promptly.
What programs does the Center offer?
The Center offers numerous programs aimed at individuals of all ages. An online description of each program offered at the Center can be found under the program link located at the top of the homepage. You call also contact the Center at 610-328-5186 or via e-mail at vanderwo@verizon.net and request a brochure. Please leave your name, address and telephone number and a brochure will be mailed out promptly.
When are Mardi Gras, the Dog Show, or the Haunted Attic?
The best way to find out when events are occurring at the Center is to check the Center’s calendar of events posted under the calendar link at the top of the homepage.
How many people does the Center hold?
To find out whether the Center could fulfill your needs, it is suggested that you schedule a tour. Please call the Center at 610-328-5186 to make arrangements. The Center is a large space which can accommodate up to 300 people. The first floor is a large open space with a stage for a band or deejay with a fully functional kitchen and separate men’s and ladies’ bathroom facilities. The second floor offers a large open room featuring numerous game tables and a comfortable seating area. Bathroom facilities are also located on this floor. To the rear of the Center is a large stone patio which provides additional outdoor space in warmer weather.