When the money flows, you know it's officially official. This week the State released the $3.9 million that had been appropriated a year ago for the construction of the Southside Teen Center. It is expected that ground will be broken on the 17,000-square-foot multi-use facility in late summer or early fall of this year, and that it will open in the fall of 2022.
Located across the street from the Southside Library and adjacent to the Boys & Girls Club, the center's allocation of space is based on surveys of teens who were asked what they want and need: a gym, game room, arts and crafts space, a dance and performance studio, and an outdoor sports area/soccer field. The kids' top motivations for their choices were for places to de-stress, stay healthy, and build relationships with peers. Fun, in a word.
The center will also promote education and career opportunities, health and wellness, afterschool and child care programs, and provide outreach services to benefit the community as a whole.
The building will be LEED-certified Silver for sustainability, by conserving money and energy, reducing waste and greenhouse emissions, and promoting the health and safety of occupants.
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