New youth centre completes Yabra project
The area around the Yabra cemetery is no stranger to newsworthy events and today was no exception. Jose Sanchez reports.
Jose Sanchez, Reporting
The Yabra area has undergone an extensive face-lift during the past few years. First the cemetery was refurbished, number of new houses was constructed and now a sporting facility has been built to complement the football field and basketball court. According to area representative Mark Espat, it will be of greatest benefit to kids.
Mark Espat, Area Representative, Albert Division
“The idea came from the fact that we had an old fire station that was being used as a de facto community centre by the Yabra Sporting Club. As part of our project we decided to tear that down, it was insect infested and build this new facility. The total cost of the facility is about sixty thousand dollars. That includes the cost of the games inside, the ping pong table, pool table, conference room with equipment, video, audio visual equipment and so on. And from here we’re expected to offer games, counselling, and area fatigues to meet and a co-ordinating centre for youth activity for our constituency and this area.”
But to keep the sporting complex and the children in shape, the Youth Department has been given the task of managing the site.
Shawn Gill, Director, Youth Department
“It is free of cost, anybody can come in. We have a conference room that we hope to rent out to organisations where we can get a bit of money back from that. It will be run for the young people by the young people.”
“We will have lots of motivational seminars, life skills seminars, as well as we will have in after school programme where people can come in and do their home work or help in their research paper. We have a research centre that can be used by any student.”
Its true aim is to be more than just a playground. Even the children have realised that there are substantial benefits to using the facility.
Giovianni Williams
“I think it’s a good thing they have the programme. It keeps young people off the streets, like me. It makes us have a better life because we can always come to this place and play or do something…talk, or just mess around with people, not fight, play and it will make you have a better chance in life.”
Jiri Loskot
“I think the sporting complex is a good idea because it will give youths alternatives to keep them off the streets or to make them play sports and that sort of thing that will help.”
Andrea Crawford
“The place is very nice. You can learn about different games you did not know about. Also, you meet new friends, you socialise and very active if you are not. And also you get a little athletic also.”
Michelle Castellanos
“It’s a very nice place. After school you can socialise instead of being on the streets. You can become active, you can learn different games and meet new friends.”
The youths will have a lot of time to makes friends as the sporting complex will keep it’s doors open from 9:00 in the morning to 8:00 at night. Reporting for News 5, Jose Sanchez.
The construction of the sports complex marks the completion of the Yabra Redevelopment Project.
