Davis Avenue Recreation Center
Encyclopedia
The Davis Avenue Recreation Center is a historic recreation
facility in Mobile, Alabama
. The facility was established in 1921 as the first public leisure center for African Americans in segregated
Mobile. Initially known as the Davis Avenue Community House, it also featured tennis courts, a swimming pool, and a small park. The need for a larger facility was soon realized, and in 1936 the current structure was completed. It was the only public recreation facility in Mobile built using Works Progress Administration
funds. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places
on June 27, 2011, due to its significance to the African American
history in the city.
Recreation
Recreation is an activity of leisure, leisure being discretionary time. The "need to do something for recreation" is an essential element of human biology and psychology. Recreational activities are often done for enjoyment, amusement, or pleasure and are considered to be "fun"...
facility in Mobile, Alabama
Mobile, Alabama
Mobile is the third most populous city in the Southern US state of Alabama and is the county seat of Mobile County. It is located on the Mobile River and the central Gulf Coast of the United States. The population within the city limits was 195,111 during the 2010 census. It is the largest...
. The facility was established in 1921 as the first public leisure center for African Americans in segregated
Racial segregation in the United States
Racial segregation in the United States, as a general term, included the racial segregation or hypersegregation of facilities, services, and opportunities such as housing, medical care, education, employment, and transportation along racial lines...
Mobile. Initially known as the Davis Avenue Community House, it also featured tennis courts, a swimming pool, and a small park. The need for a larger facility was soon realized, and in 1936 the current structure was completed. It was the only public recreation facility in Mobile built using Works Progress Administration
Works Progress Administration
The Works Progress Administration was the largest and most ambitious New Deal agency, employing millions of unskilled workers to carry out public works projects, including the construction of public buildings and roads, and operated large arts, drama, media, and literacy projects...
funds. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places
National Register of Historic Places
The National Register of Historic Places is the United States government's official list of districts, sites, buildings, structures, and objects deemed worthy of preservation...
on June 27, 2011, due to its significance to the African American
African American
African Americans are citizens or residents of the United States who have at least partial ancestry from any of the native populations of Sub-Saharan Africa and are the direct descendants of enslaved Africans within the boundaries of the present United States...
history in the city.