Telluride plans new youth hangout space after decade of need

During a recent government meeting, officials discussed the pressing need for a regional youth center in Telluride, a topic that has been on the agenda for nearly a decade. Acting Town Manager Zoe Dornal highlighted the collaborative efforts to establish a dedicated space for youth, which will be located within the existing Voodoo Shed facility. The proposed center aims to provide approximately 700 square feet for middle and high school students, addressing a long-standing community need for a safe hangout space.

Dornal emphasized the importance of community involvement in the design process, noting that local youth contributed to the planning of the facility. The meeting also included a proposal for an additional $39,666 contribution to support the necessary capital improvements for the youth center. This funding is seen as crucial for the project's completion and future programming.

Dawn Katz from Communities That Care (CTC) expressed enthusiasm about partnering with local nonprofits to offer diverse programming for the youth. Katz mentioned that CTC has already begun outreach to other organizations to ensure a wide range of activities will be available, catering to the varying needs of the community's youth.

The discussion also touched on the importance of securing ongoing financial support for the center's operations, as officials acknowledged that the success of the initiative hinges on sustained commitment from local government entities. The meeting concluded with a call for questions from the commissioners, who expressed support for the initiative and sought clarification on the age groups that the center would serve, confirming a focus on middle and high school students.

Overall, the meeting underscored a collective commitment to enhancing youth services in the region, with plans for further collaboration among local governments and community organizations to ensure the center's success.