Warwick Valley Teen Center getting ready to rock, roll, renovate

Warwick — It has been a dream for so long - the Warwick Valley Community Center has wanted to have a true teen center for years - a place kids can come and hang out, play some pool or Foosball, learn to cook, get homework help, just be with their friends. With a lot of help from local and county government, that dream is about to become a reality. Karen Thomas, director of the community center, said the project to renovate the first floor of the Doc Fry building into a teen center is about to go to bid. “We are very excited about this,” she told the Village Board Monday night as she displayed designs of the project. The designer is Atelier Durante, a resident of Warwick. The center will consist of a recreation area, complete with ping pong and pool tables, a Foosball table and dance mats, as well as a video/TV lounge area that also has a computer. There is a complete kitchen area, which will allow for cooking classes and events that can include food. There also will be a social area and study area where kids can come after school to do their homework or get help with their work. Most of the money has come from grants from state Sen. Thomas Morahan, R-New City, and the Orange County Community Development Grant Program through HUD. The Town of Warwick has sponsored the center over the past several years for the HUD grant. “The town has been instrumental in renovating this building over the years,” Thomas said. Tuesday afternoon town, village and county officials were on hand at the community center to inspect the design before it does actually go to bid. Thomas also said the village of Warwick has funded the WYDO program for many years. WYDO — Warwick Youth Development Outreach program — provides money for trips and programs for the kids. The program was started over a decade ago by former Mayor Frank Lacalamita and Trustee Robert Newhard. This year, Thomas said, the village’s funding has helped with field trips to museums, a Broadway show and music venues. “We provide Friday and Saturday music events for kids,” said Thomas “We will have up to 250 teens participate in the events.” The program originally was designed for older teens as a positive alternative to drugs and alcohol, she said. Now, middle schoolers are dropped off right after school as well. “It is a safe haven for them.” This is a very large project, according to Thomas. The entire lower level is being gutted and complete rebuilt. The cost was not available since the bidding process is not complete. “It is really beautiful,” said Mayor Michael Newhard after he looked at the drawings. Thomas admitted that it is not always an easy road to find funding for not only capital projects but for programs as well. She thanked the village for its support over the years. “Everyone uses the community center,” she said. “We thank you for your support. Programs drive the kids. If they find it interesting and good, that keeps them coming back.” The teen center project should be completed in about two months.