Community Program Space for Youth

1. Community Program Space for Youth

2. Table of Contents • Background Information • Youth Needs Analysis 2010 • Current Programming • Need for Dedicated Space • Facility Relocation • Exciting Opportunities

3. 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

4. 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

5. 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

6. 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

7. Youth Programming (5 Year History) YEARAVERAGE 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)

8. 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)

9. Current Youth Programming • 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

10. Current Youth Programming • 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)

11. 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

12. Need For Dedicated Space • 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

13. Need For Dedicated Space • 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

14. 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

15. 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

16. Exciting Opportunities… • 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

17. Exciting Opportunities… • Revenue Generation • Community based rentals • Meetings • Catered Special Events (i.e.) weddings, baby and bridal showers, parties etc. • Community Functions

18. 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

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