The Young Professional 1 - Arizona Parks and Recreation Association

AGENCY HIGHLIGHTFACILITYQuillian Recreation CenterAMENITIES2 lighted softball fieldsopen air pavilionsoccer fields400 meter fitness trailplaygroundsbeautiful aquatic venture25 meter pooldiving boardslidesLOCATION3663 Westcenter DriveHouston, Texas 77042CONTACT713.781.9195Page 13 | The Young ProfessionalQuillian Recreation Centerby Tom GadenChurch recreation has been around for a long time and today many religiousorganizations and places of worship offer leisure activities for their congregation.Quillian Recreation Center is a prime example of this outreach ministry drawingthousands of visitors each week to First Methodist Houston – Westchase campus.Quillian Center was the brain child of Pastor Paul Quillian who literally had aheart attack while working on the plans to establish a youth center in the late1950’s. Soon thereafter, Dr. Quillian’s dream became a reality when the doors of a40 acre recreation facility opened in 1959 in his memory. Since 1958, the QuillianCenter has served the Houston community with a wide range of high-qualityrecreational opportunities. Whether a member of First Methodist Houston or not,you are certainly welcome to visit the Quillian Recreation Center anytime!Today, Quillian Center is located on the campus of First Methodist – Westchasealong with a private school. All of the programs at Quillian Center are not onlyopen for the congregation but for the community as well.Facilities at Quillian Center include a competition swimming pool, gymnasium,climbing wall, game room, athletic fields, playground and an outdoor coveredpavilion. The swimming pool area encompasses a “Noah’s Ark” themed play pooldesigned especially for pre-school aged children. This is a very popular spot to cooldown during the hot Houston summers. In fact, the “Noah’s Ark” pool was votedBest Swimming Pool in the greater Houston area by a local television talk show.Blessed with these facilities, Quillian Center’s staff has incredible resources toprogram activities and special events for the community and the church. Quillian’sSummer Day Camp is accredited by the American Camp Association and is theonly day camp in Houston that holds this honor. Over 400 campers attend summercamp each summer. First Methodist Church and other community donorsassist in scholarships and financial aid for families who need a little assistance inattending camp. Campers enjoy sports, games, crafts, Vacation Bible School, andspecial events throughout the summer.Quillian Center is also a state licensed day care facility and operates an after schoolprogram throughout the school year. Alongside after school care, daily enrichmentclasses such as gymnastics, martial arts, cheerleading, chess, and indoor rockclimbing are offered.