In the Spotlight: Parkridge Community Center

/ Hinton Real Estate Group, Inc./

For our “In the Spotlight” series, we’re shining a light on community resources, sharing how to best find support and give support to our friends and neighbors. This month’s highlight: Parkridge Community Center.

Parkridge Community Center is a cornerstone of Ypsilanti’s historic South side, engaging community in safe, positive, and structured activities. We spoke with Mia Lanier-Durkins, Manager of Education & College Readiness, who shared more about Parkridge, its ties to Washtenaw Community College, and how they’re working to connect community through resources, programming, and education.

Parkridge Community Center Exterior sign

What should we know about Parkridge Community Center?

Parkridge is the heart of the southside of Ypsilanti, and while our location allows us to be a solid resource to the Ypsilanti Community, we serve all of Washtenaw County; after all we are Washtenaw Community College! 

Our WCC mission is to make a positive difference in people’s lives through accessible and excellent educational programs and services. Our Parkridge mission is to enhance the quality of life for Ypsilanti’s residents by supporting children, youth, and families though a wide range of programs and services.

We’re in the business of meeting underserved families where they are and helping them reach their goals of educational, career, and person success!

What services and programs do you provide, and for who?

We serve youth, families, and seniors throughout the entire Washtenaw County! We provide Education & Career  Readiness support, educational information seminars, Community events, and youth programming for students in 1st – 12th grade.

There are several programs that we host at Parkridge, but we also create pathways for people to take advantage of the educational opportunities offered through WCC, which lead to certificates/degrees that assist with landing jobs starting at $40k and higher.

We also have Senior classes facilitated by WCC instructors, “Hustle 2 Success”, an in-school program focused on soft skill building and college readiness, for middle and high school students.

Fun Fridays for Seniors (card playing), G.E.D. also facilitated by WCC faculty, Project Literacy – an after-school program for youth ages 6-10, and more.

One of our popular programs is our 5-week Summer STEM Learning Experience.  Our registration filled up within 24 hours of being open this year and that is MAJOR! We offer academic project-based learning classes, STEM focused activities, weekly field trips, and swimming lessons facilitated by Rutherford Pool.

Organizations and community members are also afforded the opportunity to use as a rental space for meetings, programs, and events.
Non-profit organizations can rent free of charge Monday – Thursday.
On the weekends, we offer affordable rental rates.


How can someone seeking these services get in touch with Parkridge?

We are open
Winter/Spring/Fall: Monday-Friday 9am – 8pm
Summer: Monday-Friday 9am – 5pm

Facebook: Facebook.com/ParkridgeCommunityCenter
We post our program fliers regularly on Facebook and our Program Coordinator, Jeanice Townsend goes Live on Fridays. We also support our community partners by marketing their program and event fliers on our page.

Email: Parkridgecommunity@wccnet.edu
Phone:734-483-7700


How can people interested in providing or extending support get involved?

Anyone interested in participating in WCC/PCC classes, seminars, youth programming, or just looking to get involved by volunteering their time, can visit our registration site: afterschoolhq.com/WCCParkridgeCommunity

Financial donations can be made using this link: afterschoolhq.com/reactapp/donation/WCCParkridgeCommunity

What upcoming events or new additions are you excited about?

We are really looking forward to  our Summer STEM Learning Experience camp for youth ages 6-12.  We have certified teachers who will use project-based learning lessons to teach Math, Reading, and Writing during our morning sessions, and numerous STEM focused organizations facilitating fun, hands-on STEM activities in the afternoon. 

Last summer our library was transformed and upgraded with the help of two amazing organizations, Books for Kids and Our Community Reads.  Our youth now have a library filled with books featuring characters that look like them.


Can you talk about the artwork and portraits throughout Parkridge Community Center?

We are proud of or historic hallway, which houses several portraits by Lee Osler, of individuals who are from and have made a significant impact in the Ypsilanti community.  When Parkridge guests walk the hallway, there’s always a connection and stories shared.  Those moments bring appreciation, and reflection of what we are striving to do here at Parkridge; educating, enhancing, and strengthening our community.  Our computer lab is furnished with lovely artwork that was donated by passionate Parkridge supporters, the late Mr. & Mrs. John W. Barfield.


Is there anything else we should know about Parkridge Community Center & WCC?

We are committed to bridging the gap between the community and Washtenaw Community College. Building strong relationships with youth, families, community members and local organizations allows us to be a positive influence in Washtenaw County.

Our staff is passionate, accommodating, and dedicated to serving this community with excellence. We welcome anyone to come visit and explore what’s possible with the support of WCC/Parkridge!

We’d like to give Mia a very special thank you for chatting with us and sharing more about how Parkridge Community Center and WCC are connecting community and education.

If you’d like to contact someone from Parkridge Community Center or connect with WCC, please contact:

Phone: (734) 483-7700
Email: parkridgecommunity@wccnet.edu
Facebook: Facebook.com/ParkridgeCommunityCenter

View the latest spotlights and more of what Ypsilanti has to offer at LiveNypsi.com.