The Queen Anne Community Center will operate under a lease agreement between Parks and Biz Kid$, which will have exclusive use of the gymnasium and some office space in the center (about 10,000 square feet) for a period of about a year, according to a budget proposal by Seattle Mayor Mike McGinn.
The city believes the model will be adaptable for use with other potential partners who share Parks' values.
Biz Kid$, which produces a national public television series for children and teens that focuses on financial literacy education and entrepreneurial skills training, will conduct programming for teens that focuses on economics and finance. The Web site is
www.bizkids.com/show.aspx.
BizKid$' track record includes production for Bill Nye the Science Guy and a number of industry awards.
Parks believes bringing in BizKid$ is an educational opportunity for youth and teens.
McGinn spokesman, Aaron Pickus said, "It extends our partnership with Seattle Public Schools in which we provide support for learning opportunities," he said in a written statement. "In youth forums held under the Youth Violence Prevention Initiative, teens asked specifically for programs that would help them learn now to set goals for themselves and services that would help them reach those goals, including financial goals."
A recreation center coordinator will continue to supervise the center and oversee programming in the remaining spaces for seniors and teens, and some free and fee-based evening recreational activities.
But the facility will have reduced hours. Parks staffing will be reduced, and the building will be open 30 hours per week for programming and/or free and fee-based drop-in use. Teen programming will now take place in McClure Middle School next door.
Registered programs will continue at the center and the Associated Recreation Council will continue to provide year-round child care, summer day camp, and preschool. The mayor will continued ot make the building available as a rental.[[In-content Ad]]
