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Redondo Beach staff outline Perry Park Teen Center’s redesign, programming and outreach plans
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Summary
Recreation Manager Michelle Pinedo told the Youth Commission the renovated Perry Park Teen Center was built from youth survey input (214 responses), features gaming and study spaces, draws 50–75 students on non‑school days, and will pursue outreach to high‑schoolers and partner organizations.
Recreation Manager Michelle Pinedo presented the redesigned Perry Park Teen Center to the Redondo Beach Youth Commission, saying staff reshaped a single open room into dedicated lounge, gaming and collaborative work areas based on a youth commission survey of 214 responses.
Pinedo described amenities including two smart TVs, PlayStation 5 and Nintendo Switch consoles, a complimentary vintage arcade machine, ping‑pong tables, collaborative study workstations and an outdoor lounge area adjacent to the park’s basketball courts. "It is really just one big open space inside," she said, describing how partitions and furniture created distinct zones for teens.
The center reopened with a public event on September 25 and hosts daily activities posted on its Instagram and the city website. Pinedo said turnout on non‑school days ranges from about 50 to 75 students. Programming includes competitions (timed Lego builds), cultural events (Día de los Muertos), seasonal gatherings (Friendsgiving) and themed events such as a murder‑mystery dinner held in October.
Staff said they initially scheduled separate hours for middle‑ and high‑school students but opened the center to all ages after high‑school attendance proved low. Pinedo told commissioners the suggestion box — rather than a grade‑level intake form — has driven programming preferences; she said staff will present more detailed attendance figures to the City Council in a forthcoming report.
Commissioners and students recommended additional outreach to high‑schoolers. One student said many freshmen don’t know about the center and asked whether schools could e‑mail or otherwise publicize the space; Pinedo asked commissioners to share school contacts and suggested paid banners at school events and segments on local RETV as possible outreach channels. "If each of you can get me a contact, that would be really helpful," Pinedo said.
Pinedo identified existing partnerships with Redondo Union High School career programs, Alcove, the Redondo Beach Police Department, the library, Redondo Beach Fire and the Beach City Health District to support tutoring, safety topics and event promotion. She outlined future plans to host quarterly high‑school socials, a mentor program pairing juniors and seniors with middle‑school students, volunteer tutoring and job‑prep workshops.
Pinedo closed by giving contact options (teens@redondo.org, phone and business cards) and invited further ideas. The commission voted to "receive and file" the presentation and the input offered by attendees.
