Located across Country Club Rd. from the Southside Public 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. The center will promote education and career opportunities, health and wellness, afterschool and child care programs, and provide outreach services to benefit the community as a whole.
Mayor Alan Webber says: “We can all feel proud that the City is moving forward with this long-awaited project. It took money, cooperation, perseverance and leadership to carry this from idea to proposal to reality. It is a down payment on our commitment to the young people of Santa Fe. We are putting our community’s money where our community’s future is.”
The Teen Center will be in District 3, represented by Councilor Abeyta and Councilor Rivera.
Councilor Roman “Tiger” Abeyta: “After three and a half years of advocating for state resources, city resources, and engaging our young people the Teen Center has become a reality, I am truly thankful and humbled by the decision of the Governing Body to make this happen. “
Councilor Christopher Rivera: “I am honored to be a part of this project and humbled that it has finally come to fruition. Many people have worked on this, including many of our youth, so I am glad for them and can’t wait to see how they make the teen center their own.”
