Rice Community Center	+ Larger Font + Smaller Font
Jo Monica Forrest, Center Director
Receive Parks & Recreation Catalog Notifications | Receive Play/No Play Weather Notifications | Receive Helen Hocker Theater Announcements | Receive Newsletter Announcements | Rice Gazette

Click here to participate in the Community Center Program Evaluation

Rice Community Center is located in Rice Park in the Eastern section of Topeka, which includes an open-air shelter, 2 soccer fields, a 9-hole Frisbee golf course, and newly planted trees, with a new play structure addition in 2003. The Center was opened in 1971 for after school children, the community and family activities.

In 1974 Rice Community Center was renamed Rice Fine Arts Center. Rice Fine Arts Center was in operation until 1987 when it was closed.

Then in 1989 the Police Athletic League and Justicia started sharing the building. While in the building they offered a variety of activities for the youth and minorities in the area. P.A.L. moved out of the building in 1996. Justicia continued to occupied the facilities in 1999 offering Folk dances and variety of family assistance programs.

The Team Topeka Youth Employment Program (TTYEP) is based at Rice Community Center during the months of June - July. This program provides Topeka area youth the opportunity to learn clerical skills, job training, first aid, and leadership skills. TTYEP partners with local businesses, agencies and organizations to provide a positive experience for area youth entering the workforce.

Rice Community Center offers a variety of programs for all ages and serves as a meeting hall, hosting the East End Neighborhood Improvement Association, as well as other groups. Lets Help offers GED and other educational classes. In June 2001 with support from community and East End NIA, the building was reopened as Rice Community Center. During 2000 the center received many renovations to the building: A New Roof, carpeting, painting, new entrance steps, and wood gym floor.

Check out the Parks and Recreation catalog for further information about this and other Community Centers.

Click to view team Topeka youth employment

Rice

• Address: 432 SE Norwood
• Phone: 785-368-4363
  
  
• 2008 Operating Hours
  January-April: Monday-Thursday 8:30am-8pm
  Friday 8:30am-7pm
  Saturday 10am-2pm
  Sunday Closed

Click to view map