South Shore Cultural Center

Wujun Ke

Last Wednesday we partook in a tour of the South Shore Cultural Center. It was a beautiful building whose wide open rooms, spacious ceilings, and European accents reminded many SSPers of Southern style mansions. First we toured the interior, including a performance hall, solarium, pink ballroom, and awards room for Dr.Margaret Burroughs, artist and community leader. http://chicagoist.com/2010/11/22/dr_margaret_taylor-burroughs_1917-2.php

Solarium

Ballroom, where the Obamas got married!

The Faces of Africa exhibit 

Baby with mother 

A waterlily found on the Nature Walk 

 Walking around in a space with so much style and history gave me reason to hope that someday, the South Side would erect more beautiful buildings like this one. Because physical structures like buildings influence our health and wellness, it is vital that our environment looks safe, well-cared for, and moreover, hospitable and inspiring. As a student at the University of Chicago, I am able to study in clean dorms while taking classes in Neo-Gothic buildings. Our grass-covered quad is watered periodically, well designed, and never littered or patchy. Having become more familiar with the sights of our neighbors to the south, I have realized that growing up in a healthy environment is currently a privilege, even though ideally it should be a right.

South Shore Cultural Center is all the more impressive in contrast with the empty parking lots and abandoned buildings I have seen in my visits to Greater Grand Crossing, South Chicago, and even parts of Hyde Park. SSCC illustrates the physical environment has a huge impact on our psychological well being by not only acting as a resource for the community, but also by its well-kept and eloquent appearance.

According to the Chicago Park District Website, "South Shore Cultural Center totals 64.50 acres. With its magnificent country club-like interior,this facility features a solarium, formal dining hall, Paul Robeson Theater, Washburne Culinary Institute, and the Parrot Cage Restaurant. Green features of the park include a nature sanctuary and a butterfly garden. Outside, the park offers a nine-hole golf course, beach, and open spaces for picnics and walks. Many of these spaces are available for rental including our solarium, dining hall, theater, and fields. Park-goers can participate in variety of cultural programs and classes for all ages in dance, music, art, health, culinary arts, fitness, and more. After school programs are offered throughout the school year, and during the summer, youth attend the Chicago Park District’s popular six-week day camp."

Overall, a feast for the eyes and space for imagination and appreciation.