Mariemont Community Church (web annex)

     After the grand opening of the Mariemont Community Church Preschool in 1969, there were no major physical changes to the interior of the preschool until the fall of 1981. During that year two important things happened that are worth mentioning.
     In 1981, the preschool office was located in the attendant’s booth of the bowling alley, located in the basement of the Parish Center. That year, it became apparent that the bowling alley had become old and dilapidated, and the interest level had diminished. So, the church removed it, causing the preschool office to be relocated. At that time there was a storage room located near the stairwell, which June Karassik, MCCP’s director from 1981-1983, and the preschool staff felt would make a great location for an office. So, they cleared out the area, placed shelving and added necessary furnishings. Even though many interior changes have occurred within the office space over the years, the location has remained the same.
     Prior to 1981, the teachers placed a climbing structure in the blue room to give the children the opportunity to develop their large muscles. Once the bowling alley was removed, the staff members placed the climbing structure into the empty area and bought tricycles and a merry-go-round to create the famous “muscle room.”   Even though the climbing structures and large muscle activities have changed over the years, the location of the muscle room still remains the same. The newly-created muscle room space also provided a nice place for the parents to congregate and talk while their children played before school started. This social scene still occurs and is a wonderful opportunity to network and listen to parental concerns and needs. The muscle room has become a wonderful opportunity for the preschool to carry out its outreach ministry which it was designed to do.
     Have you ever wondered why the muscle room is also called the “Parks” room? On the wall near the nursery is a plaque dedicated to Warren Parks and his wife Ruth for their lifelong devotion toward Christian education for the members of Mariemont Community Church.

Warren Parks

Warren Parks was hired by Mary Emery as the resident engineer for the initial construction of Mariemont. In 1923, Warren moved here with his family with the belief that he would only stay until the construction was finalized. During the eighteen years he was here, he developed valuable friendships with co-workers and residents and began to fall in love with the beauty and the “idea” of Mariemont. Not only did Warren decide to stay in Mariemont, but he became an incorporator and an honorary lifelong trustee of Mariemont Community Church. Warren Parks passed away in 1982. In 1983 the plaque was dedicated to him and his wife, and out of respect for his lifelong service to the church, the muscle room became a memorial for Warren Parks; hence the name, “Parks” room.