New Youth Activities Center is open for business

The new facility has been under construction since last December and is 13,000 square feet, more than five times larger than the old YAC. It was constructed by Harry Pepper and Associates in Jacksonville at a cost of about $3.3 million.

"It's much bigger than our old building which means we can offer a lot more programs and accept more kids. It also features themed rooms so the kids can pick what kind of activities they want to do just by entering into a different room," said YAC Director Megan Elliot.

"There is one designated room just for homework and a quiet area that is always open so they can go in and do their assignments or they can participate in numerous other activities."

The new YAC features a main area or game room with a pool table, air hockey, jukebox, Dance Revolution machine and foos-ball table. Lining the game room are six color-themed rooms with various activities to keep the children busy. The teal room or "drama room" offers dress-up costumes, a stage for performances, a home area and large TV for video games with bean bag chairs. Next door is the orange room or "work zone" which offers building blocks, Legos, Play-Do and a doll house.

In the purple room or "computer room," you will find numerous brand new computer stations with 15 computers allowing the kids to play video games and do research. Across the way is the green room or "science room" complete with a bunny rabbit, guinea pig, hermit crabs and plants.

There is also a weather station, telescopes and an area for science experiments. The blue room or "art room" has numerous arts supplies so those creative kids can create their masterpieces. This room is also where the special clubs meet including the photo club, writing club and Smart Moves club which is part of the Boys and Girls Club of America.

The last room is the yellow room or "study hall" where the kids have a quiet place to do their homework or just relax.

There are also new offices for staff members, a lounge and kitchen area. And the facility is completely monitored with video cameras in each room. Outside is a new playground. With all the extra room, Elliot plans to open the facility to more children during next year's summer break.

"In the past we've only been able to take 120 kids but with our new facility being so much bigger, we will up our staff and be able to take about 200 next year. And, we plan to offer a lot more activities for the kids," added Elliot.

The center is hosting a grand opening event tomorrow night from 6-8 p.m. for families and children so everyone can check out the new facility. For more information on the programs YAC offers, call 778-9772.