Today’s Poll

Nelson Youth Centre get facelift

Contributor
By Contributor
July 2nd, 2015

Nelson and District Youth Centre expects more than 8,000 visits this year.

And to help with those visitors, there are some big, bold changes afoot.

“I’m excited about the renovations and programming changes both completed and underway,” says City Council Youth Advisory Committee Rep Valerie Warmington.

“The Center has been really well-used by youth from Nelson and surrounding areas in the past, and each improvement sees a further increase in participation and engagement.”

“Kids and parents in town are going to be really excited about what has already happened here, what’s about to happen, and what’s soon going to be available at NDYC,” says Nelson Youth Employment Centre Coordinator Jonny Salerno.

The centre has been closed to make way for a flurry of construction activity that will see long days and working-weekends, Nelson’s foremost venue for youth and young adult services is in the midst of a wide array of improvements to spaces and programs, most recently in the skatepark area.

“The changes in the skateboard park/programming area are incredible,” says Salerno.

The upgrades — which will be unveiled at a grand re-opening is slated for Saturday (July 4) from 1-4 p.m.— include a vastly improved skating experience, a designated area for drop-in athletics and organized sports, with the addition of 1,000 square feet of space for games and other programming.

The area will provide a safer, more engaging, and fun interactive zone for users of all ages, with better sight-lines and materials, a cleaner design, and superior aesthetics.

“The renovations are long overdue and especially timely in light of the opening of the outdoor skatepark,” says Salerno, “it was time for a change.”

This is the last phase of NDYC renovations and redesigning, all of which started after strategic planning in late 2013, following the departure of long-time manager, Christine Schmidt, in July 2014. Schmidt moved on to a coordinator position at Selkirk College.

Salerno was hired as a coordinator, along with Fitz McGoey. Marty Clemons has been hired as the NYDC Program Facilitator.

Salerno explains that with the re-organization, he and his new group put forward a plan to execute a series of changes, with the goal of renovating, re-designing and re-branding the Youth Centre.

Salerno says the NYDC expects it will exceed the 8,000-plus visits the venue saw in 2014.

Check It Out: Nelson and District Youth Centre upgrades to date:

  • Second floor, several rooms, offices, hallways re-floored
  • Creation of multi-purpose room
  • New tables and laptop computer
  • Creation of Resource Area for Nelson Youth Employment Centre
  • New large lounge that serves as waiting area, meeting room, theatre, and a quiet space for parents and small children, includes WiFi and tea
  • Upgrade to Dance Studio
  • New sports equipment
  • Improved Art Gallery and new supplies
  •  Improved Jam Room and new equipment
  •  New exterior and interior signage, improved directional info and traffic flow throughout centre

Photo caption: NYDC staffers Jonny Salerno, Fitz McGoey and Marty Clemens.

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