KALAMAZOO, MI (WKZO AM/FM) – The City of Kalamazoo may see a new youth center for children and teens, and input from young residents is being requested.
Sean Fletcher, director for the Kalamazoo Parks & Recreation Department, says a survey is being prepared at this time.
He spoke with WKZO on Tuesday morning.
“We’re looking for youth and teens to give us their thoughts about a youth and teen facility that couple possibly happen in the city to give young people a safe place to be, and we just want to get their thoughts on what they’d like to see,” Fletcher said. “They would be the users, so we definitely want to get their input and see what they think.”
Fletcher says it’s important for children to have after-school options.
“They could get some homework help, they could do some career exploration, they can have mentors to be around and talk with,” Fletcher said. “Just a place they can gather and have fun, but also be in a safe space and have those social experiences that are important. We think it’s a good opportunity to look into this as a possibility for the city and see what kind of support is out there from young people.”
The survey will take place in the form of a presentation that will take place this Thursday, July 29 at 5:30 p.m.
“The first half hour, we will allow people to get to know each other a little bit and have some food,” Fletcher said. “And then at 6:00, we’ll get started. We’re gonna show some examples of spaces in other youth and teen facilities around the country to get a conversation started. Youth and teens will get into small groups, we have some activities to do, and then we’ll come together and have some discussion about what they’ve seen, what they would like. Then, we will put that together in a report and share that with interested folks.”
The presentation will take place in the Community Room at Mayors Riverfront Park, located at 251 Mills Street in Kalamazoo.
Residents can RSVP to the event by sending an email to kzooparks@kalamazoocity.org.
Those who participate will receive a $25 financial stipend, and there will also be light food and refreshments for those who join in.
Kalamazoo Youth and Teen Center Input Session flyer. (Photo courtesy Kalamazoo Parks and Recreation).
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