NOTE: DUE TO THE COVID-19 SITUATION, THE PARKS AND RECREATION ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICES AS WELL AS THE PADUCAH/MCCRACKEN SENIOR CITIZENS OFFICES ARE CURRENTLY CLOSED FOR IN PERSON SERVICES. PLEASE CALL FOR ASSITANCE.
The Paducah Parks building located at 1400 H.C. Mathis Drive houses the Parks and Recreation Department administrative offices, classrooms, and the Paducah/McCracken County Senior Center.
Office Hours: Monday-Friday 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Phone: 270-444-8508
Fax: 270-444-8627
The facility is located on 0.8 acres which used to be the West Kentucky Industrial College. The historical marker in front of the building reads: Ground broken for this college on December 9, 1909 by Dennis H. Anderson, who had a determination to improve education for Negroes in Kentucky. Cornerstone for first building laid, 1911. Dr. Anderson failed to get bill passed in 1912 legislature to make school a state institution. It did become state-supported in 1918 and by 1938 had grown to become the third largest Negro junior college in the United States. Before it merged with Kentucky State, 1938, this college was served by Presidents D.H. Anderson, 1909-1937, and H.C. Russell, 1937-1938. A vocational school established in 1938. The following have served as its presidents: M.H. Griffin, 1938-1943; H.C. Russell, 1943-1947; M.J. Sleet (Acting Pres.), 1947-1948; C.L. Timberlake, 1948-1957; and H.C. Mathis since 1957. School has continued to meet the vocational needs of Kentuckians.
The Paducah/McCracken County Senior Center and offices are housed in the Paducah Parks building. The senior center programs, meal program, dining room, senior activity room and activities are run independently of the Paducah Parks and Recreation Department. For more information, visit the Paducah/McCracken County Senior Citizen Center or call 270-443-8579.