Community Program Space for Youth

Community Program Space for Youth

Table of Contents

Background Information Youth Needs Analysis 2010 Current Programming Need for Dedicated Space Facility Relocation Exciting Opportunities

Background: Youth Division

The Youth Division was created in 2000 The First Youth & Community Development Coordinator began

in August 2000 There was an identified need to provide youth with

opportunities to:– Participate in a safe social outlet– Build self esteem– Build community support/resources for this critical time of

development– Develop life skills and foster personal growth and encouragement

Background: Youth Division

Surveys and studies pertaining to Youth Needs in Aurora were conducted:

– 2001 - Youth Feasibility Study– 2004 - Youth Surveys– 2005 - Youth Surveys– 2007 – Youth/Stakeholders Focus Groups– 2010 - Youth Needs Analysis

Surveys and focus groups looked at the location of residence of the youth, activities participated in, activities not participated in, interest level in making use of a new dedicated youth facility, activities they would be interested in

Youth Needs Analysis 2010

To identify the needs of the youth in Aurora, a Youth Needs Analysis was conducted in August 2010; focused on respondents between the ages of 12- 18 years

Analysis included focus groups and surveys with Aurora’s:– Youth– Parents– Community Stakeholders

Youth Needs Analysis 2010

Key recommendations from the analysis included:– To develop a dedicated youth space, as part of a larger multi-

purpose recreation facility, which includes the following: Seating/ lounge area Games/ computer area Teaching Kitchen Access to indoor and outdoor recreation opportunities Multi- media lab

– To develop a full size gymnasium To be part of a larger multi- purpose recreation facility

– To develop a permanent skate park Should be between 13 000 and 18 000 sq. ft

Youth Programming (5 Year History)

YEAR AVERAGE WEEKLY HOURS

2007 27.25

2008 27.5

2009 26

2010 28

2011 37.75

Hours of weekly programming:– Includes registered programs and drop- ins– Increased by 10.5 % in the last 5 years – 2011 maxed out of space (Town owned and rented facilities)

Current Youth Programming

Drop- In Programs– Variety of sports including basketball, dodgeball, volleyball,

floor hockey, etc., dinner & a movie, variety of arts & crafts, variety of fitness opportunities

Registered Programs – Variety of cultural, arts & crafts programs, sports & fitness, and

general interest Summer Camp Programs Leadership Programs

– Babysitting, Home Alone, Leader in Training (LIT) and Counsellor In Training (CIT)


Summer Adventure Day Trips– Providing a daily option for one day adventure trips

Specialty Programming– Youth special events (i.e.) Youth Art Show, Art for the Park,

Aurora Teen Idol– Youth Concerts & Dances– BMX Bike Clinics– Skateboard Clinics– Parks Clean Up – Tournaments


Program opportunities currently provided in 11 different facilities located around Town

Over 20 different program spaces currently being used

A total of approximately 2270 youth utilizing recreation programs/year

Note: Please see list of current youth program opportunities (attached)

Need For Dedicated Space

Current facility complement of 11 facility locations– Difficult for youth who rely on public transportation, parents, older

siblings for rides to and from activities – One centralized facility will not only make it easier for

transportation, but will increase marketing and promotion opportunities for other programs, events and drop- ins


Current rental of schools is costly Issues with school permits

– Often schools cancel permits last minute which leads to a cancellation of programs without adequate notice

Leads to inconsistency and poor customer service


Program space has reached full capacity– Lack of available program space hinders ability to increase and

diversify programming– Youth programming has the potential to expand significantly with

the addition of dedicated space

Need for Dedicated Space

With additional space, it is possible to: Expand youth programming:

– Additional sport drop- ins Inter-generational programs Increase number of weekly opportunities Offer currently seasonal programs year-round

– More specialized programming such as: Culinary arts Technology focused programs Visual and performance arts

– Enhanced summer camps, day trips and summer drop- ins Offer a more diverse selection of activities

Exciting Opportunities…

Additional opportunities for programs during off- peak youth hours– Enhanced revenue generation with additional

programming (during daytime 9:00 am- 2:00 pm) Opportunities for Seniors and Preschool Programs

– Additional meeting room space– Expand and diversify program offerings– Increase frequency of current programs


Additional community development– Build further partnerships with community groups for facility use:

– Peer counselling office– Local sports teams dry- land training and conditioning– Meeting room use

– Provide expanded volunteer opportunities to local youth – Monitoring and assisting programs, drop- ins and daily

facility tasks


Revenue Generation– Community based rentals

– Meetings– Catered Special Events (i.e.) weddings, baby and bridal

showers, parties etc.– Community Functions

Next Steps…

April 17 General Committee will be requested to select 2 preferred options for further investigation by staff

Upon completion of investigation staff will be reporting back to General Committee on capital and operating impacts of those preferred options

Prepared by: Nichole Campsall, Acting Youth Co-ordinator February 28, 2012

Documents

Community Program Space for Youth