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San Ysidro Teen Center Opens Following Renovation of Historic Library Building

Kids playing table tennis

Continuing a commitment to provide more recreational facilities for all San Diegans, Mayor Todd Gloria joined Councilmember Vivian Moreno and community members to cut the ceremonial ribbon and officially open the San Ysidro Teen Center. The newly remodeled facility provides more recreational opportunities to teens in the San Ysidro community in need of safe places to relax, meet friends, do homework and have a good time.

"The San Ysidro Teen Center provides a safe and welcoming space to local youth, and I am thrilled that it is finally open to the community, said Mayor Todd Gloria. "We all can taking immense pride in knowing that the bulk of the renovation of the old San Ysidro Library was accomplished by our City workforce. I appreciate their ongoing commitment to serving the public and giving back to our communities in need.

The teen center is housed in the original San Ysidro Library built in 1924. The building has been vacant since the new library inSan Ysidroopened in 2019, but Parks and Recreation Department staff proposed that the building be repurposed for Parks programming-related activities. With input from the community, it was decided that the facility be used for young adults to spend time with friends, read, do schoolwork or utilize park programs. Work done to renovate the building was primarily completed by City staff in both the Facilities Division of the General Services Department and Parks and Recreation Department.

With a number of upgrades completed, the 2,000-square-foot center features new flooring, fresh paint and plants to create an inviting and relaxing gathering space. The center will offer a variety of teen-focused programs and after-school activities, as well as recreational amenities including table tennis, vintage video games, a pool table, computer lab with free Wi-Fi and a reading nook.

"The grand opening of the San Ysidro Teen Center is a testament to how a dedicated community can work together to ensure residents receive the services they need," said Councilmember Vivian Moreno, who represents District 8.

The City of San Diego Parks and Recreation Department offers more than 42,000 acres of parks assets including over 400 parks, 60 recreation centers, 14 pools, three municipal golf courses and 27 miles of waterfront. For more information about the variety of facilities and programming the department has to offer, please visitsandiego.gov/parks-and-recreation.