Our History

From these humble beginnings, PARC has grown to be known as a progressive leader in the field of intellectual and developmental disabilities. With over 40 programs, PARC offers many choices to the individuals it serves. We invite you to explore our rich history and rapid growth, made possible by the generosity of those in our community and beyond.

View our timeline below:

1952

Mrs. Edythe Ibold places a small notice in The Evening Independent.

Mrs. Edythe Ibold placed a small notice in The Evening Independent inviting parents of children with developmental disabilities to a meeting in the St. Petersburg City Hall.

1952

1953

Pinellas Association for Retarded Children receives Corporate Charter.

Pinellas Association for Retarded Children received its Corporate Charter. Edythe Ibold named First President of the Board of Directors and a Charter Member. The first group of concerned parents that formed PARC successfully opened The Peter Pan School.

1953

1964

Bert Muller named the first Executive Director of The Peter Pan School.

Bert Muller named the first Executive Director of The Peter Pan School. On October 16, 1964, LARC – the heart of PARC, is founded to support the children and adults at PARC. PARC secured 6 acres of land through the City Council at what is now PARC’s main campus near Tyrone Boulevard.

1964

1967

PARC’s First Annual Black Tie Gala is held.

PARC’s First Annual Black Tie Gala is held at the home of Brenda and Sam Rahall. PARC’s development of a sheltered employment program for adults begins.

1967

1968

Administration staff, preschool and the new PARC Cottage residential program for children move in to the new Tyrone main campus.

The new PARC Cottage residential program for children move in to the new Tyrone main campus. Development Activity Program (now known as Adult Day Training) moved to new campus. Physical therapy and speech therapy begin at the preschool.

1968

1969

PARC leases two story building to provide PARC Villa, a residential setting for adults.

PARC leased a two story, dormitory style building at 1051 72nd Street North for the purpose of providing a residential setting for adults over age 18. PARC Villa was one of the first integrated community residential programs of its kind in Florida.

1969

1971

Mrs. Rose Kennedy visits PARC.

Mrs. Rose Kennedy tours the PARC Campus and enjoys what PARC is accomplishing.

1971

1973

Clifton and Dorothy Well donate $50,000.

Clifton and Dorothy Well donate $50,000 and a new 10,000 square foot building becomes the expanded Sheltered Workshop Program.

1973

1974

PARC’s First Annual Golf Tournament is held.

PARC’s First Annual Golf Tournament is held at the Bardmoor Golf Course for all to enjoy.

1974

1979

PARC Center Apartments opens.

A historical moment, the PARC Center Apartments opened in October 1979 for 48 adults.

1979

1982

Curry Villa opened in November 1982 for 30 adults.

Curry Villa opened in November 1982 for 30 adults formerly at PARC Villa’s leased building. Mack and Chris Curry made the donation in memory of his parents George B. and Agnes Curry.

1982

1991

Burkett Villa opens for 15 adults.

Burkett Villa opened on February 15, 1991 for 15 adults. The donated 10 acres of land is developed in a small area to add the 4th residential program for PARC.

1991

1995

PARC receives a new building for Administrative Offices and Seniors Program.

PARC received in charitable trust a building located at 3190 Tyrone Boulevard. Administration offices and Seniors Program move to new location.

1995

2004

Children’s Services expanded to include the Family Focus Program.

Children’s Services expanded to include the Family Focus Program that serves children and their families in the home or in their preferred school with early intervention services.

2004

2010

PARC Center Apartments renamed The Bert Muller Home.

PARC Center Apartments renamed The Bert Muller Home to honor the memory of his commitment to individuals with developmental disabilities.

2010

2014

PARC partners with Project Search.

PARC collaborates with John Hopkins All Children’s Hospital, Pinellas County Schools and Florida Vocational Rehabilitation to offer the Project Search program for students ages 18- 22 whose goal is competitive employment.

2014

2016

SunTrust Grant provided to PARC

PARC was the first ever recipient of the Sun Trust Foundation “Lighting the Way”; the $50,000 award helps create the PARCSun Store, which is run entirely by PARC clients.

2016

2017

‘Play It Safe’ Playground opens at DLC.

PARC unveils the Play it Safe Park for students at the Discovery Learning Center. Student capacity at the Discover Center increases 54% thanks to a large grant from the Juvenile Welfare
Board.