Oasis 7 opens at longtime Baton Rouge service center, seeks community partners

BATON ROUGE, La. — Oasis 7 has opened inside a community center that has served Baton Rouge since 1978, creating a new gathering place for District 7 residents while seeking additional partners and resources.

The hub, located inside the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Community Center, opened following a ribbon-cutting ceremony. It includes a computer lab, library and game room, with a mission to connect residents to educational programs, resources and community support.

District 7 Councilwoman Twahna Harris said the goal is to establish a central space for families, older adults and residents throughout the district. She expressed enthusiasm about the community’s response and the opportunity for residents to benefit together. Organizers are continuing to seek partners and resources for the hub.

The opening adds a new resource to an established neighborhood institution. Also known as the Eden Park Community Center, the facility was founded to strengthen the community through education, employment training, advocacy and support services, according to the city-parish government.

Its existing offerings include after-school tutoring, summer day camps, senior programs, safety classes and social and medical services. A Care South office inside the building provides services through the supplemental nutrition program for women, infants and children, known as WIC.

That setting places Oasis 7 alongside services already intended to help residents meet household needs and pursue educational opportunities. Harris’ vision centers on bringing multiple generations into a shared community space.

The community center is at 4000 Gus Young Ave. Its posted hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Residents can call 225-389-7804 for information about the facility and ask about Oasis 7 programming and access.