Unity Center marks year of bridging cultural gaps

It may have still been May, but June and summer were busting out all over Saturday afternoon at the first anniversary of the Sorenson Unity Center in Glendale.

The center, which has become a combination cornerstone and hub on the west side of town, was living up to its motto big time: a gathering place for all cultures where they are celebrated and welcome. The communal notion was all over the faces of the 600 or so area residents of all ages and skin hues who showed up to celebrate a year of building a closer, more vibrant, more unified west side.

"People said they wanted this, and they have really supported it," Nichol Bourdeaux, center director, said, her voice at times easily overwhelmed by the flow of fun and the din of live rock music.

The eco-friendly glass-walled, sky-lit center, which was just an idea six years ago, has taken root the past 12 months. More than twice the number of people than expected are using the fitness area. Its Black Box Theater seats 175 for plays, such as the sold-out performances of "Pride and Prejudice."

The computer center classes are full. Salt Lake Community College is helping improve jobs skills and offers a schedule of English-as-second-language classes. Free dental care is offered through Salt Lake Donated Dental Services. And kids from 8 weeks old to 10 years can be dropped off at the facility's child care next door.

The next project is a community garden, a plot of land just to the east that is currently occupied by a flotilla of bull thistle, Bourdeaux said, noting that ideas are never in short supply to grow the center and help the 30,000 people who visited it the past year find what they're looking for.

Karla Arroyo finds what she's looking for twice a week, "at least." More importantly, it's what she finds there for her 6-year-old daughter, Alexa Galicia, who added to the day's festivities with a performance by her hip-hop group.

"There are dance classes, tumbling, swimming, but why we keep coming is the diversity of people it brings into her and our lives," Arroyo said, adding that even when the family moves to Sandy soon, they will be more than happy to travel the extra 10 miles or so one way.

"There are other community centers around, but this is the one for us," she said, just as her daughter's cotton candy-festooned balloon sword hit the floor. The sharp bang combined with the sharper realization that a handle with no blade is no sword at all, and she retreated into the crowd.

"She obviously feels right at home here," Arroyo said as she gave chase.

E-MAIL: jthalman@desnews.com