The current site of the Paris Street Gym first became a community oriented facility in 1881 after the construction of a skating rink. Rebuilt as a gymnasium, then augmented with a bathing facility, the whole center was donated to the city in 1897 through the generosity of Esther P. Ahl. City Hall was wise enough to understand the positive impact a publicly owned gymnasium would have on a community, and quickly acted to assume operational responsibilities. It was this wisdom that brought the Paris Street Community Center into existence.

In 1909, the city dedicated $XXXX to construct the current structure, and it was completed and open for service in 1910. There have been many changes to our center over the years, and the leadership within the Eastie Community and at the Center has changed with the times. For example, when boxing became generally popular in 19xx, a boxing ring was built in the facility. This space went into disuse, and that room today is our cardio room.

In the past few years, and in the near future, the leadership in the community and at the center have been undergoing drastic changes. We hope that we can draw upon our rich history to find inspiration in approaching the challenges of the coming years. It is Eastie's Center, so consider this an invitation to come and participate in part of our community's core.

Side Note: We are in the process of gathering information about the history of the Paris Street community Center. Do you have any information / photographs / knowledge / volunteer time that we can use?