Greg Moore Youth Centre celebrates 25 years in Maple Ridge
The Greg Moore Youth Centre is celebrating 25 years of providing a dedicated space for young people in Maple Ridge.
The City of Maple Ridge will mark the milestone with an anniversary celebration on Friday, Oct. 2, bringing together current and former youth members, families, community partners and staff.
The centre opened in 2001 and has since offered young people a place to socialize, participate in recreation and programs, and develop new skills.
“Twenty-five years ago, the Greg Moore Youth Centre opened as a place for young people to feel connected, supported and included,” Mayor Dan Ruimy said. “It has grown into an important community space that makes a real difference in the lives of many Maple Ridge residents.”
The two-storey, 16,000 sq. ft. facility at 11925 Haney Place was developed through a youth-led community process and was among the first dedicated youth recreation spaces of its kind, according to the city.
Today, the centre offers drop-in activities and registered programs along with a rock-climbing wall, bouldering wall, indoor skateboard and scooter park, podcast room and multi-sport court.
The facility also includes foosball, ping pong, billiards, air hockey, board games and video games.
Over its 25 years, the centre has received several honours, including the B.C. Parks and Recreation Facility of the Year Award and a Child and Youth Friendly Community Award for innovation.
“For 25 years, the Greg Moore Youth Centre has been a place where youth can be themselves, try new things and build meaningful connections,” recreation manager Tara Berdej said.
The Oct. 2 celebration will begin with an all-ages open house from 3 to 6 p.m., featuring remarks from Ruimy and past and present youth members.
Visitors will be able to tour the centre, meet staff and community partners and learn about its current programs. A barbecue will begin at 5 p.m.
A celebration specifically for youth will follow from 6 to 9:30 p.m., featuring games, prizes and other activities.
The city is inviting residents of all ages to attend the open house and help mark the centre’s 25th anniversary.
