New and Improved Teen Center at Lakeside Park
The Pawling Rotary and Interact Clubs are excited to announce that the upgrades to the Teen Center at Lakeside Park are now complete! The improvements, which focused on technology upgrades, lighting, kitchen and stage improvements, were paid for in part by a $20,000 Learn, Play, Create Grant from Dutchess County that was awarded to the Pawling Rotary Club last November.
“The Pawling Rotary Club’s focus is to provide support for youth in our community so we are especially thrilled to provide this new and improved teen-driven space which will allow kids to come together in a safe, stimulating environment where they can express themselves creatively, learn new skills, and most importantly, have fun together. Additionally, this renovated space fits nicely with the many improvements the Town of Pawling has made to the Lakeside campus and we are happy that we were able to contribute in a positive way,” says Rotary President Susan Stone.
Teens will discover a vastly improved stage area with all new lighting, backdrop and stage curtains, and updated sound equipment. In the kitchen, teens will find a new stainless steel refrigerator and dishwasher which will make programming in that space much more efficient. The main room is now furnished with cozy couches, recliners and rugs along with a ceiling projector with a drop down screen: a perfect setting for movie night! Teens will have a blast in the gaming room, which is set up with three flat screen televisions, gaming chairs, a Nintendo Switch, and three Virtual Reality headsets which are loaded with the latest games such as Beat Saber, NFL Pro Era, and EPIC Rollercoaster. Board games, arts and crafts supplies, and activities to get kids moving like an arcade-style indoor basketball game, Spikeball, Kan Jam, and laser tag round out the experience.
There are two upcoming events scheduled to take place at the teen center. On Saturday, January 21st, teens from across the Hudson Valley will have an opportunity to unleash their talents at an open mic night. This event is in partnership with the Pawling, Beekman, Kent, Patterson and Mahopac libraries as well as the Pawling Recreation Department. The Interact Club is also planning an open house event to introduce kids in Pawling to all of the exciting opportunities at the teen center.
Many thanks to Wendel Webber and his crew along with Robyn Woolley and Danielle Petriccione for all of their work creating the new space as well as researching and ordering all of the new equipment, furnishings, and games. The Pawling Rotary and Interact Clubs cannot wait to see teens enjoying the new and much improved Teen Center at Lakeside Park for years to come.
