The current CHRC game room, a facility owned by the city. Photo Contributed
If everything goes as planned, the Charles Houston Recreation Center (CHRC), located at 901 Wythe St., will be in prime shape this summer. What‘s in store is a state-of-the art multi-media center that expands CHRC offerings and operating hours for teen-specific activities.
It is the brainchild of many, including CHRC staff, volunteers known as the Charles Houston Advisory Council (CHAC) and at least 45 teens. If successfully implemented, it has the potential to be the blueprint for other teen centers around town, according to Akida Jordan of Alexandria’s Department of Recreation, Parks & Cultural Activities.
“Not everyone necessarily likes sports,” said Hadi Kamara, 16, an 11th grader at T.C. Williams High School. And the current space is not appealing, he adds, a comment echoed by others his age.
So Kamara and his peers signed up to create a vision to attract youths. Kamara and Zachary Hunter also produced a GoFundMe video, now posted on CHRC’s website to help raise funds.
Destined to replace CHRC’s game room, the new center is based on a six-zone design. This includes a computer and study zone with charging docks and wireless connection to facilitate homework; a gaming zone with video and table-based games to promote teamwork; a music zone; an art zone; a food and wellness zone, which will also include information on jobs; and a social zone, with comfortable seating and tables to encourage socialization within an open, fun and safe community environment.
“The biggest challenge to make the teen center a reality is institutional and adult acceptance,” said community activist MacArthur Myers. “They’ll see it as a gathering place for trouble.” In fact, said Myers, “it is a hub for the development of youth, our future leaders, to become well-rounded individuals and a place to maximize their potential.”
Presently, CHRC is teen-only from 6 p.m. to midnight on Fridays and Saturdays, with teen numbers steadily increasing in the past few months. July is busiest with teen participation around 537.
That seems to be one of the reasons why CHAC, now a 501c3 tax-exempt non-profit organization, has put fundraising on a fast track. Summer months are especially important because there are less safe activities, such as school events competing for teen attention, according to Cathy Hamilton, CHAC secretary.
In the end, by June 2017, more funds are needed to initiate the $70,000 project, which also includes ongoing mentoring programs. As of Dec. 20, CHAC has raised $17,000. The city pledged $25,000.
“I see kids extremely interested,” said Kamara. “Sororities and fraternities are already on board to support the project in 2017,” he said. CRHC staff is on board.
And “business community funding will happen sooner than later,” said former Mayor Bill Euille.
“The more teens connect with the community, the more value they bring,” Jordan said. Teens will be able to freely voice their concerns in a safe place. Adults will listen. And together, they learn what matters. “Society is cyclical that way,” said Jordan.
To make a contribution, go to the GoFundMe box at www.CharlesHoustonRec.com or contact Paul Hamilton, CHAC president, at charleshoustonrec@gmail.com.