Carver Teen Center Opens in Altgeld
A facility aimed at providing programming for teens and their families, opened in Chicago’s Altgeld community this past weekend.
Though the focus will be on teen girls at the center, teen boys can also take part in some of the center’s programming.
“The Carver Park Teen Center is an important development that is part of an overall revitalization for this community,” said Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel who took part in the opening ceremony along with Congresswoman Robin Kelly, (Dist.-2nd) Alderman Anthony Beale, State Sen. Napoleon Harris, Ill. State Rep. Thaddeus Jones (Dist.-29th) and Chicago Park District Superintendent, Michael P. Kelly.
The former Carver Community Building 939 E. 132nd St. was converted into a large 1,900 square foot clubroom. The Teen Center will accommodate a large open space dance studio, has new lighting, new finishes, ballet bars, mirrors and seating for viewing.
“Empowering our young women is the smartest investment a community can make,” said Congresswoman Kelly. “The healthy, structured activities that will be offered here will have a positive impact on the physical, emotional and social development of the young girls and women who live in Altgeld and neighboring communities. Our young ladies will learn to make choices that will help them identify and fulfill their purpose in life.”
The Center’s programming will provide opportunities for teens to participate in activities that enhance physical wellness, stress reduction, healthy habits and improving self-confidence.
The lounge area features a nutrition center where participants will take part in cooking lessons. The center will also boast an exterior, 1,600 square feet fitness center that includes a rock climbing wall.
“It is important that our teens have positive opportunities available to them within their communities to help them stay active and engaged,” said State Representative Jones. “This Teen Center will be a wonderful addition to Carver Park and will benefit countless teenagers and their families.”
The Teen Center is part of Chicago’s series of developments geared at revitalizing communities on the city’s southeast side.
CHA currently is in the process of making several investments impacting the Altgeld Gardens community, including rehabilitating more than 200 housing units, engaging new property management and opening a new social service office.
Additionally, improvements are being made to the Carver Park Field House and surrounding open spaces, including its early learning facilities, library, sidewalks and roadways. The mission of the investments is to enhance existing services and programs, including a 2.5 acre urban farm, community safety programming, and the Jobs Plus program made possible by the Department of Housing and Urban Development.
The total project, which cost nearly $340,000, was funded by Coca-Cola and Chicago Park District. Programming at the center is made possible by a partnership between the national Recreation and park Association and Coca-Cola.
For more information, please visit www.chicagoparkdistrict.com or call (312)-742-2001.
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