New Youth Centre at Moody Park opens today

New Westminster, BC – Officials from the City of New Westminster, Province of British Columbia and Government of Canada joined local youth today to cut the ribbon opening the City’s first facility dedicated to serving the needs of young people in the community. The new Youth Centre at Moody Park was made possible through a joint investment of $2.75 million from the City, Province of BC and Western Economic Diversification Canada.

“Our youth have waited patiently for a facility like this for a very long time,” said Mayor Wayne Wright. “The new Youth Centre at Moody Park is a joint investment from three levels of government that will pay dividends into the future, helping local youth connect with each other and their community and developing future leaders for our City.”

Connected to Century House, the Royal City’s recreation centre serving the community’s older adult population, the new Youth Centre at Moody Park will take advantage of its location by offering opportunities for inter-generational programming that will foster mutual respect, trust and understanding between youth and local seniors. The 4000 square foot recreation facility will also provide a safe, secure environment for youth to gather and connect with one another in a wide range of recreational, cultural and social programs. Activities at the new youth centre will be delivered primarily through the City’s Parks, Culture and Recreation Department and in partnership with local organizations as opportunities arise.

“From coast to coast to coast, RInC projects like this one are putting Canadians to work today while laying the foundation for future prosperity,” said MP Fast. “The new and improved Century House will be a highlight of this community for years to come.”

While the funding provided by the city, provincial and federal governments allowed for construction of the new centre, its furnishings and equipment have been purchased with the proceeds of the Youth Centre @ Moody Park – Connecting Generations fundraising campaign. Since construction began, campaign committee volunteers comprised primarily of Century House Association members and local youth have worked hard to meet their $200,000 fundraising goal. Today’s ribbon-cutting also featured an announcement that the fundraising goal had been surpassed, underscoring how the community has rallied to make the new Youth Centre at Moody Park a success.

The Youth Centre at Moody Park project also provided an opportunity to renew park facility infrastructure, allowing for upgrades to Century House building systems and construction of new washrooms for park users as well as other minor enhancements to Moody Park.

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Contact:
Blair Fryer
Communications Manager
604-527-4688 or bfryer@newwestcity.ca