[Review #765]
2023-051…read more
Dee Hardison Sports Center, named after former Torrance Mayor, Dee Hardison, is located in the heart of Charles H. Wilson Park with a multipurpose room & large gymnasium. The Center is a part of the City of Torrance's youth & adult sports programs that include basketball, volleyball, judo, classes & special events. They're open weekdays: 2:00 PM - 10:00 PM, Saturdays: 8:00 AM - 7:00 PM, Sundays: 12:00 PM - 8:00 PM; with longer weekday summer hours of operation: 10:00 AM - 10:00 PM.
Private groups may rent the MP or gym when it's not in use by the city. The rental info can be found on: https://www.torranceca.gov/our-city/recreation/dee-hardison-sports-center. All reservations require a minimum of 5 days advance notice to allow for staffing; for availability, call Facility Booking at: (310) 618-5982, or email: FacilityBooking@TorranceCA.gov.
Fee Sheet: https://www.torranceca.gov/home/showpublisheddocument/74759/637901919461030000
Application: https://www.torranceca.gov/home/showpublisheddocument/74761/637901919753070000
When our daughter was a toddler (about a decade ago), we would take early evening walks around the park & see classes held at the sports center. I think kendo was held at one point, not sure if it's still around? Fast forward 10 years later, my son is a member of South Bay Judo (www.southbayjudo.com), a non-profit 501(c)3 organization. The Club practices on Tuesday & Thursday evenings. It's a family-friendly club that teaches quality judo fundamentals to all students: discipline, honor, & respect inside & outside of the club.
The gym hosts basketball, dodgeball, volleyball clinics on weekday evenings & weekends. H's classmate plays in the volleyball clinic on Saturday mornings. We're usually at the farmer's market before or after his matches & would stop by to cheer him on.
The facility is fairly clean & well-maintained, except the restrooms may be messy & understocked on Saturdays due to the busyness of the park & center. If you're a Torrance local, stop by to see what the City of Torrance has to offer for you & your family.