Gardner City youth center reports membership growth; committee forwards monthly report to council

The Gardner City Public Welfare Committee on April 3 heard a monthly update from the Gardner Community Youth Center and unanimously voted to forward the report to the full city council to be placed on file.

Director Mr. Huey told the committee the center’s pilot first year has shown steady usage and recent growth, with average daily attendance of about 30–40 youths and registered membership rising from 65 in January to 81 by the end of February. He said 46 unique visitors attended in February, up from 35 the prior month.

The director said the center shifted programming in February after staff noticed young people were more likely to attend when community partners were present. “It wasn’t structured programs that were drawing them,” Mr. Huey said. “It was actually our community partners — the library, CSO, the Gardner Police Department — and the kids come because they want to see those people there.” He also noted that a new staff member was hired in January and that the state approved funding for another year, though the transcript did not specify an amount.

Committee members praised the center’s neighborhood reach and partnerships. A committee member who had toured the facility said it offers safe after-school space for children who often walk from nearby Elm Street School, and a library trustee described the library’s mobile visits and teen outreach that have complemented Youth Center activities.

Mr. Huey described a March 27 tabletop game night that ran until 8 p.m. and said nightly events have resumed; he credited partners and volunteers, including Woods Ambulance and a local supporter named John Zlotnick, for helping with transportation and logistics.

After the update, Councilor Harder moved and Councilor Brooks seconded a motion to forward the report to the full council to place on file. The committee responded “Aye” and the motion carried. The committee then moved to adjourn.