Area community centers are holding open houses this week to give residents a chance to see what they have to offer and meet some of the people behind the programs.

The first open house in the neighborhood is tonight (March 20) at the Garfield Community Center from 5:30 – 6:30 p.m. Yesler will be Wednesday from 5-6 p.m. and Miller will be Thursday from 10 a.m. – noon and 6-8 p.m.

From Seattle Parks:

At these events, the Community Centers will showcase their fun, exciting and educational programs.  This is an opportunity for the neighborhood to meet community center staff and instructors, gather program information, provide input and observe some of the classes. 

·         Garfield Open House

Tuesday, March 20

5:30 – 6:30 p.m.

  

·         Miller Open House

Thursday, March 22

10 – Noon and 6 – 8 p.m.

  

·         Yesler Open House

Wednesday, March 21

5 – 6 p.m.

 

In January, Community Centers changed to a new tiered system for operating that reduces operating costs, while maintaining essential services. In the new system, community centers are grouped into five geographic areas of five centers each. They are managed and programmed in a coordinated fashion. The new system partially or fully restores the current limited use sites. Five limited use sites were established in 2011, which involved a significant drop in public operating hours. The new tiered system for 2012 saves approximately $1.23 million in the 2012 budget.