High‑school club urges Los Gatos to include teen center in community center plan

Los Gatos — A high‑school group asked the Town Council to make a dedicated teen space part of the town’s community‑center planning, saying student survey results show clear demand for social spaces that differ from libraries and schools.

Noah Ramon, president of the Los Gatos Community Center Club, told the council the club formed after a town focus group and has since surveyed hundreds of high‑school students across Los Gatos. “We started from a team focus group…we went back and created a club in the high school because we thought it was a really great opportunity,” Ramon said.

Club member Hirad described survey findings that teens most value social connection: spaces for sports, game rooms, an outdoor patio and a teen center room where students can interact without needing to be quiet. “High schoolers really care about a third space…a space other than home, other than school that doesn't cost money,” Hirad said.

Otis Peek, who helped coordinate outreach, told the council the teen input aligned with adult preferences in the town’s needs assessment and emphasized the importance of intergenerational programming. Council members praised the students’ outreach — Mayor Moore said he had attended one meeting and was impressed with how well the students know the town — and asked clarifying questions about middle‑school outreach. Presenters said Fisher Middle School workshops produced similar interest in socialized, fitness and recreational spaces.

Why it matters: The town is actively planning a community center and the students’ survey provides direct evidence of youth demand and usage priorities. Council members signaled support for considering teen needs as the project moves forward.

What’s next: Council thanked the club for its work and indicated staff will incorporate youth input into the community center project’s continuing planning process.