City Opens Three Teen Lounges and Open Gym
The full schedule of fall recreational and cultural programming at the Youth Bureau has begun with the opening of the three Teen Lounges and Open Gym. The teen lounges and gym operate as drop in centers for youth aged 11-21 years. They are staffed with talented youth workers who provide supervision and guidance on youth inspired and/or staff-directed activities.
The Eastview Teen Lounge will operate from 2:30 – 8:00 p.m. Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday. The lounge features a much requested new air hockey table, video games, board games and of course, a staff eager to meet the youth and get them engaged in activities ranging from scriptwriting to arts and crafts.
The Slater Center Teen Lounge will operate Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 6:00 -8:00 p.m. This lounge will feature new video games and a new, highly energetic staff with a mission to get the participants involved in activities inside and outside of the Slater Center.
The Battle Hill Teen Lounge located in the Hill condominium will be open for more than twice the amount of time it has been open for the past 5 years. The lounge, which features two pool tables, video games and a kitchen will operate Wednesday, Friday and Saturday from 2:30 – 8:00 p.m.
The Open Gym at Eastview will operate Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday from 5:00 – 8:00 p.m. and Saturday from 3:00 – 8:00 p.m. Supervisor Raymond Tribble says the gym will have a new thrust this year with more emphasis on sports other than basketball and the implementation of programming to attract more female and parental involvement in gym activities. According to Tribble, “We plan to program special activities from time to time that parents and their children can enjoy.”
Youth with an artistic leaning have a choice of several Youth Bureau programs to meet their needs. Youth On Stage, the performing arts component of Neighborhood Services, offers hip-hop, jazz/modern/hip-hop and African/Caribbean dance classes. A world drumming class and choruses for youth 6 years and older will also be offered. Our partnership with Play Group Theater continues this year with one group meeting from October 5 to January 25 and the second group meeting from February 1 to May 24. For more information about YOS programs contact Adrienne Rivers at arivers@whiteplainsny.gov.
Adam has worked in the local news industry for the past two decades in Westchester County and the broader Hudson Valley. Read more from Adam’s author bio here.
