Punta Gorda, FL, “The Little Town That Unity Built”: A Model Community for the Nation in 2023 & Beyond
What is distinctive about Punta Gorda, FL?
Punta Gorda, a small city on Florida’s Southwest coast has the distinction of having the oldest per capita population in the nation.
Why is Punta Gorda's history important?
Punta Gorda has been characterized as having a “unique sociology” due to its biracial settlement and development during the height of Jim Crow.
Punta Gorda’s history serves as a model for our country in demonstrating the power of societal unity.
Why does Punta Gorda serve as a model community for 2022 and beyond?
Based on values of unity and shared prosperity, Punta Gorda was an environment in which all of its citizens could thrive economically.
For example, George Brown, a local African-American businessman, owned a successful shipyard operation which provided employment to residents during the Great Depression, a time in which many other communities suffered from widespread joblessness.
It was only in conforming to national trends in the 1960s that led to the demise of its thriving African-American business district.
About Cooper Street Recreation Center
Cooper Street Recreation Center is a multi-generational center located in the Punta Gorda Historic District and serving Charlotte County. It has been at the center of community life for five decades. Our mission is to build relationships that support, celebrate, and strengthen the community through providing social, cultural, historical, and education opportunities to community members of all ages.
The picture to the left describes the intergenerational-community focus that Cooper Street Recreation has provided to the community over the years. “The Rec”, as it is known to community members has been the center of civic life, community, and personal development over the decades. Cooper Street Recreation Center strategic partnerships allow “The Rec” to provide intergenerational programming for the community.
The home page provides a gallery of photos showcasing the center's rich history. Cooper Street Recreation Center is a historic site recognized by the Florida African American Heritage Preservation Network, a consortium of museums dedicated to preserving the history of African American contributions to the State of Florida and our nation as a whole.
These partnerships include: Blanchard House Museum: Blanchard House Museum Research Library & Creative Writing Center; YMCA of Southwest Florida: Before- and Afterschool Enrichment Programs; Small Business Development Center @ FGCU: Expansion of the Education & Career Outreach Library to Include Resources for Entrepreneurs and Small Business Owners
Cooper Street Recreation Center offers workshops to the community in areas such as personal development, professional skills, small business support and more.
Intergenerational Community Activities have been a hallmark for Cooper Street Recreation Center. “The Rec” hosts intergenerational community dinners and a variety of other community activities fostering connections between different age groups.