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Commission hears update on youth community center planning; staff say $75,000 set for initial studies
Summary
St. Mary’s County staff and Youth Advisory Commission members discussed plans for a county youth community center during the March 4 meeting as staff described the current budgetary and planning posture.
St. Mary’s County staff and Youth Advisory Commission members discussed plans for a county youth community center during the March 4 meeting as staff described the current budgetary and planning posture.
What was presented: Commission members were told the county has allocated $75,000 in the coming fiscal year to fund two studies: a location analysis for a possible community youth center in the southern part of the county and more general needs‑assessment work for other parts of the county. Officials explained the larger construction line previously shown in the Capital Improvement Plan (about $16,000,000) was removed from the immediate schedule and has been pushed from 2024 to 2025; that change was described as a timing adjustment by county decision‑makers.
Why it matters: Members asked that any planning group or consultant include youth representation. Several members expressed concern that a single center should be planned as a countywide resource rather than as a facility limited to one subarea; staff and adult participants said the county is discussing a phased approach that would start in one area and expand according to need and available funds. Staff also noted that facility design, access and transportation differ across the county and that a single design would not suit every subregion.
Follow‑up and requests: Commissioners asked that Recreation & Parks director Art Shepherd be invited to explain the process and that the commission be allowed to suggest youth members for any advisory group established to draft terms of reference for the site selection or feasibility work. Staff suggested March 11 (capital plan referral to the planning commission) as a near‑term forum for commissioners and advisory commissions to follow the CIP conversation.
Ending: Members were urged to continue outreach to peers across the county to build support and to return recommended youth representatives and questions to the next meeting. Staff said search/feasibility work was expected to start after July 1 with Recreation & Parks leading the effort.
