A new youth centre being built at the Okotoks Recreation Centre will have better accessibility and increased safety for users.
The Town allocated $125,000 to relocate the youth centre from the lower level of the recreation centre to the main floor to create a new space that would make youth feel safe and welcome.
To help reimagine the youth centre, the Town sought feedback from youth and parents about their ideas for the new centre and released its findings in December.
Recommendations include a focus on accessibility, inclusion, safety and affordability, with a wider range of programs and activities.
In-person engagement with youth was done at schools, at the recreation centre and at the skate park, totalling 387 responses. Another 164 responses were received from an online survey for parents.
The Town said the strategy of going to youth for their input had a significant impact on the amount of feedback received.
Youth were asked what factors might stop them from going to the youth centre and what would make it a place they’d want to go to more often.
More activities, a comfortable and inviting atmosphere, and free or low-cost snacks were among the top responses.
Construction of the new space on the main floor of the recreation centre is expected to begin early in 2024, and youth will be able to provide input on the colour scheme and furnishings.
A grand opening celebration will be held later in the year when the youth centre is complete.
It will continue to serve ages 12 to 17, although 18-year-olds are welcome until they graduate from high school.
