Staff report

SALISBURY — The Salisbury Parks and Recreation Department has received $50,000 in funding from the Blanche and Julian Robertson Family Foundation to support a new Teen Center at Miller Recreation Center.

The program will be for children ages 10-17 and will offer mentoring, life skills programs, homework assistance and recreation opportunities.

The Parks and Recreation staff will lead the programming and coordinate with community organizations to offer supplemental programming and activities, as well as specialized programs like DJ classes, music classes and gardening.

“Our staff is excited to bring this program to the community,” said Parks and Recreation Director Nick Aceves. “We look forward to making a stronger connection with our youth and offering a broad array of programs that the members themselves will have input on as the initiative comes to life.”

City Manager Lane Bailey thanked the Robertson Foundation for the gift.

“I’d also like to thank Nick and his Parks and Recreation team for developing solid recreational programming for our youth,” Bailey added.

The money will provide staffing, an ID card maker, cameras, new computers for the computer lab and other recreation supplies for the free youth program.

“This is a truly exciting time in Salisbury,” said Jason Walser, executive director of the Blanche and Julian Robertson Foundation. “Many great things are happening in our community, and the Robertson Family Foundation is proud to be able to help launch this new program, which we think will impact many youth in Salisbury for years to come.

“We appreciate the dedication of city leaders who are working to create as many opportunities for our community’s youth as possible,” Walser said.

In addition to working with community organizations, Teen Center staff will work with other city departments, such as the Salisbury Police Department, in an effort to create a closer bond between community youths and city personnel. Such efforts will include teens and officers playing pool, foosball and video games together.

Members also will receive a renewable picture ID that will allow them to ride Salisbury Transit buses at no charge.

The free program will be open year-round after school with extended hours in the summer. The Miller Recreation Center will still be used during the day for senior programs and community meetings.

The center, at 1402 W. Bank St., is set to have a grand reopening in January.  For more information, call Nick Aceves at 704-638-5299 or Delando Clowney at 704-638-2722.