The Santa Maria Recreation and Parks Department has modified the hours of operation at the Abel Maldonado Community Youth Center and lowered the entrance age for participation.

The Youth Center, 600 S. McClelland St., Santa Maria, is a hub of safe recreational options for teens who live throughout the Santa Maria Valley, the city said.

Youth Center memberships are now free for any students in grades 6-12. Applications are available at the center and require a parent signature. This is the first school year sixth-graders may participate.
 
Starting Thursday, Aug. 14, members can visit the Abel Maldonado Community Youth Center 2:30-7 p.m. Monday-Thursday, and 2:30-8 p.m. Friday and Saturday.

Youth Center programs include year-round amenities and seasonal programs that are different each month.

The Fitness Center features a variety of cardio and strength training equipment. The Computer Lab has computers, internet access, and printers to help teens complete school assignments, create resumes, and look for job opportunities. The Game Room offers air hockey, pool tables, Play Station 5 consoles, and virtual reality games.
 
Also in the Abel Maldonado Community Youth Center is the McClelland Street Market, a snack bar that serves the Youth Center and the Paul Nelson Aquatic Center.

The McClelland Street Market is the primary training site for the city’s Youth Employment Program, where teens learn entry level job skills and work ethics along with basic food service skills. The market is open Monday through Saturday during Youth Center hours.

The Youth Center also offers classes, art and craft projects, indoor and outdoor basketball courts, and leadership clubs. To register for classes, visit www.cityofsantamaria.org/register.

Direct questions to the Santa Maria Recreation and Parks office, 805-925-0951 ext. 2260.