New Cultural Center

Examining plans for the Central Area Park District's new aquarium are (from left) Donald Zumwall and Ralph Bodamer, both of Shedd Aquarium, and Paul Roberts, president of the park district (Staff photos by Bill Powers—Pioneer Press Inc.)

The Central Area Park District in Maywood is developing a museum, aquarium and cultural center at its large community center located at 9th and Madison Streets in Maywood.

The park district's population is predominantly Black and serves a large population of families in the lower income bracket.

The park district does not have staff with expertise necessary to adequately establish this program, so help is being received from a larger governmental unit. The district has set aside funds for maintenance costs and has received a small grant from the Department of Local Government to pay consultants' fees for what officials call "a pilot project of great magnitude."

The museum will be an Afro-American museum and will attempt to show how Black Americans have helped shape modern American Society. Exhibits in the museum will be geared towards elementary and high school children.

The museum will have to depend, to a large degree, upon donations from private individuals, aquarium clubs, historical societies and others.

Persons who are in a position to make contributions or help in any way with this project should contact Paul Roberts, President, Central Area Park District, 921 South Ninth Avenue, Maywood, Illinois 60153.

Illinois Parks and Recreation 13 July/August, 1972