Murphy – Mayor Tim Radford, community club members, individuals, chamber members, business owners and young people met at Downtown Pizza on March 29 to discuss plans for a new local youth center.
This meeting was the second one on the project, with the first taking place Jan. 9. The room was filled with about 45 people in attendance, almost triple the number of the last meeting.
Attendees appeared interested in hearing about and adding their own input regarding their desires, the process and project logistics, as well as grant opportunities, for creating a safe place young people can enjoy. A place where kids can go to hang out and interact through games and different activities, as well as sports and other events.
General overall ideas are to incorporate educational workshops and classes, art and cultural programs, recreational activities and sports leagues, as well as job training and career development programs. The hopes are to also offer mentoring and counseling services along with health and wellness resources on site.
Other things considered are having multipurpose rooms for meetings and events, technology labs, computer stations, art and music rooms, and quiet spaces for studying and relaxation. Young people were encouraged to attend the meeting so they could let planners know what is important to them when considering which activities to build around.
Connor McMillan, 17, of Unaka, attends Murphy High School. “Some equipment for physical fitness, like a small running track or some very small beginner weights, things that will start them out on fitness,” he said.
Aiden Hall, 17, of Murphy, added, “I think the youth center would be a good thing to do and it would add a lot more to our community. I’d like to see more outdoor activities, like sporting or even like arts and crafts.”
Other ideas for the center include performing arts such as theater, dance, singing and poetry. A consistent comment from the group, be it youth or adult, was that this area needs something more for kids to do.
Youth Day kickoff Saturday
Unaka – Area youth are invited to a “Youth Day” kickoff event at the Unaka Community Development Center, 14945 Joe Brown Highway, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday.
There will be a variety of games and activities, including a scavenger hunt, corn hole, bingo, horseshoes, ping pong and more. The event will also provide an opportunity for youth to discuss their ideas about what they would like to see and do at community centers.
Murphy Mayor Tim Radford will be speaking about volunteerism. Cathy Yost, a retired pediatrician, will be on hand to answer any questions parents may have.
The organizers of Saturday’s event are striving to provide more activities for area youth. Youth Day is hosted by the Grape Creek and Unaka community development clubs, with funding coming from the NOW Grant.
Details: Call Nancy Helms at 828-837-3638.