The Paducah Parks Services building located at 1400 H.C. Mathis Drive (Locate Parks Offices using Google Maps >>) houses the Parks Services administrative offices, classrooms, and the Paducah/McCracken County Senior Center.

The facility is located on 0.8 acres which used to be the West Kentucky Industrial College.  The historical marker in front of the building reads:

Ground broken for this college on December 9, 1909 by Dennis H. Anderson, who had a determination to improve education for Negroes in Kentucky.  Cornerstone for first building laid, 1911.  Dr. Anderson failed to get bill passed in 1912 legislature to make school a state institution.  It did become state-supported in 1918 and by 1938 had grown to become the third largest Negro junior college in the United States.  Before it merged with Kentucky State, 1938, this college was served by Presidents D.H. Anderson, 1909-1937, and H.C. Russell, 1937-1938.  A vocational school established in 1938.  The following have served as its presidents:  M.H. Griffin, 1938-1943; H.C. Russell, 1943-1947; M.J. Sleet (Acting Pres.), 1947-1948; C.L. Timberlake, 1948-1957; and H.C. Mathis since 1957.  School has continued to meet the vocational needs of Kentuckians.

 Paducah Parks Services Services Administration Offices

• Registration for all classes, leagues, and activities.
• Reservations for picnic shelters in Noble Park.
• Reservations for the Anna Baumer Community Center, the Arts and Crafts building, and Robert Cherry Civic Center.
• Special event permits for large activities or events in Paducah
• Noble Park Pool passes are created.
• Facility has four classrooms.  Classrooms are available for rental when not in use by Parks Services.  Classroom rental is $75 per day with hours of operation, 8:00 a.m. until 9:00 p.m.
• Facility has two large activity rooms and one conference room
• Office Hours of Operation: Monday-Friday 8am-5pm; Phone: (270)444-8508; Fax: (270)444-8627; Email 

Paducah/McCracken County Senior Center and Offices 

The Paducah/McCracken County Senior Center and offices are housed in the Paducah Parks building.  The senior center programs, meal program, dining room, senior activity room and activities are run independently of the Paducah Parks Services.  For more information, visit the Paducah/McCracken County Senior Citizen Center or call (270) 443-8579.