I envision a large multi-use space where the kids of Bristol can go “hang out” after school, on the weekends, or anytime. I think one HUGE thing that this city lacks is places for the youth to go. The skate park at Rockwell was a great first step, but we need more. Here are some ideas of what I would like to see as a part of a youth/teen center (some may be more realistic than others):
Juice Bar/Snack Bar
This is pretty straight forward. Here they would sell anything from typical snack food/drink to even having a small kitchen for larger events where kids could get salads, burgers, fries etc. There would be a seating area, maybe diner style.
Computer Lab
There would be a modern computer lab room for access to the internet, computer gaming, video editing, schoolwork, etc. I see PC’s as well as Macs, HD TV’s on the wall, maybe even hold computer classes here…
Game Room -Arcade/Billards/Foosball/etc
Also pretty straight forward – a room dedicated to arcade games, pool tables, foosball, maybe a juke box or a stereo, some couches etc..
Gym
This could be a multi purpose room – there could be a basketball hoop, volleyball nets, mats for wrestling or gymnastics. This could possibly be combined with the stage/music room (below)
Stage/Music Room w/ instruments
I would have loved this when I was in high school… I see a room with instruments for the kids of the teen center to freely use – guitars, basses, drums, horns, pianos. There would also be a stage where the teens could hold their own concerts. I think this would be a huuuuge attraction to the youth
Lounge & Study Areas
There would also be separate areas for just ‘hanging out’ or studying for school. The loungs could have couches, and chairs, maybe futons or beds. The study area would have desks, school supplies, maybe a computer, copier, a small library.
Art Room/Studio
Here we could have art supplies, maybe even photography supplies. Here kids could come and feel free to paint, draw, etc.
So thats my vision – its pretty general, but I think you get the picture. I don’t know if it would be free, pay per entry, membership, etc or if it’s even realistic, but I think this would be amazing for the youth of Bristol…. Now go vote!!!!
Great idea, Jonathan!
Jon, I think you’re right on point. There has always been a severe lack of space for teens and I feel that many would not be creating trouble if it were for the fact that they had somewhere to go. The malls are far (especially for those without licenses) as well as the movie theater.
Also, if BristolRising chooses to pursue the satellite campus idea with the Bristol Press building, that allows a place for college students even to go before classes. They can chill in the study area, jump on the computer real quick, or even get a cheap snack.
I also believe if the youth of Bristol realized what was possibly in store for them, they would be more ambitious in the downtown revitalization. For them, if they seem some investment in their future, they would be willing to put in the time and/or effort.
Nice idea Jon! I was just talking to people about empty store front space and what to do with it. Although this building does not fall with the downtown revitilization property plan, the old Shaw’s may be something to look into. I believe the Boys & Girls Club is moving over to West St on the old St Ann’s school property. Maybe that’s an option to include all of the things you are talking about. Or to gut the old club, fill in the pool and make that strictly a Youth/Teen Center with all of your ideas and keep the Boys & Girls club on West St with similar programs they offer now. Definitely something to look into.
Kids in college could work and/or volunteer and mentor or be a role model for these kids. How neat would it be to jam together in a music room or the young artists have a place other than class in high school to go and be creative …painting, pottery, photograhy.
It’s great to have a young adult’s perspective. Very creative ideas!
I concur with Jon, Bristol really needs something like this. I submitted a Soda Bar suggestion that’s on a similar track – although it would be more of a youth lounge than an athletic club.
We definitely need somewhere for teens to go and hang out. Currently in Bristol, we have the bowling alley and Lake Compounce. We need more than that.
Being a teen, I would be very interested in having a place like this available. There are not many places for me and my friends to hang out besides the library, which I personally love. We usually go outside of Bristol a lot when we get together, if this existed, we would spend time there.
this is the best i had a group of friends who now cant chill where we did
I think we need to look at resources already established within the city, bristol boys and girls club is an example they do a great job and are right there downtown…we need to identify resoursces already in place and make sure we are supporting them as much as possibile so that we are not duplicating efforts or having places compete for simiar audineces!