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: – Youth Feasibility Study – Youth Surveys – Youth Surveys – 2007 – Youth/Stakeholders Focus Groups – 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 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 and sq. ft

Youth Programming (5 Year History) YEARAVERAGE WEEKLY HOURS 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)

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

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)

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

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

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

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

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

Exciting Opportunities… 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