The continued growth of the Internet and busy schedules brings a certain, unavoidable amount of social isolation. Some of us meet in local bars or coffee shops, or form alliances through work or other daily commitments, but too often we don't get to know the neighbors right on our own street.

What about a place where neighbors and community members of all ages can come together and be part of the same group? That's the idea behind community centers - a local, friendly, low-cost forum in which to connect, or reconnect, with neighbors. They provide meeting, seminar, and class rental space, as well as information and resources on the community. And most community centers offer classes where neighbors can learn new skills, form new friendships, get in shape or just be a place for stretching our legs.

We're lucky as Ballard residents to have a number of different community centers. Both the Ballard and Loyal Heights Community Centers are funded and operated by Seattle Parks and Recreation. The Ballard Center, (both the organization and the building itself) was constructed in 1911, and building renovation was completed in 1989. The Ballard Center offers several seniors' programs, and is a popular after-school destination for kids.

Loyal Heights Center's emphasis is on its preschool and spring sports programs, and also offers a popular fitness center for adults. The Loyal Heights Center was built in 1950, and its activities program and membership remain strong. Space is available for rent. Brian Judd, Assistant Center Coordinator with Loyal Heights, notes that Ballard and Loyal Heights centers are equally vital to the community, and that the two stay in close communication to cover all the community's needs:

"The Ballard and Loyal Heights Centers work with two distinct populations, and each work with the other to serve them," he said.

Phinney Neighborhood Center is a hub of activity, operated by the community-funded Phinney Neighborhood Association, a model organization that began in 1980 and "provides and promotes programs, services and activities aimed at encouraging connections between neighbors and fostering civic involvement in our diverse community." Housed in the historic John B. Allen Elementary School since 1981, PNA offers several classes to the community, with an emphasis on computer and home improvement classes. Classroom space is also rented out to outside organizations that routinely teach classes on a variety of subjects and disciplines. PNA offers a tool-borrowing library, whereby local residents can, for a modest suggested donation fee, borrow home and yard improvement tools and equipment. The Phinney Center also boasts special events such as live music performances and wine and beer tastings. Ann Bowden, Development Director with PNA since 1987, remarks on the success of the organization.

"With our proactive push into the community and wide variety of programs and services, we have, in a lot of ways, become a model for other neighborhoods".

PNA is much bigger than the Phinney Center alone, and has established itself offsite, operating two soup kitchens and a preschool program. Most recently, PNA has taken the Greenwood Senior Center under its wing, thereby introducing new opportunities for Greenwood-area seniors.

Not to be overlooked is the award winning Sunset Hills Community Association, whose mission is "connecting neighbors, fostering involvement in our neighborhood and the larger community." Serving West Ballard since 1922 and located one block south of The Nordic Heritage Museum, SHCA is situated in an historic two-story neighborhood clubhouse that offers kids' movies, rental space for weddings, receptions, and workshops, and various community get-togethers. In 2001, SHCA was awarded "Best Neighborhood Community Facility Restoration - Neighborhood Matching Fund Project", by the City of Seattle's Department of Neighborhoods.

Ballard's community centers live up to their name, and serve to bring members of our community together in a variety of ways. You'd be hard pressed not to find something worthwhile to pass the time, to reconnect with neighbors, and to further the bonds of community. Or, as Greenwood resident Angel McCoy puts it, the centers offer a literal sense of community.

"I didn't realize that people took such pride in their community or actually made the effort to support the residents of such a localized area," she said.

McCoy, who takes martial arts classes at the Phinney Center, says having a community center fosters a sense of community involvement, and as importantly, kinship among residents:

"I've found a ... sense of belonging since coming to the Phinney Neighborhood Center. It's a warm feeling."