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Plans take shape for youth center

Volunteers needed

Managing editor

The former service station looks a little rough around the edges, but with a little imagination and some hard work, it is possible to see the potential.

Members of Marion Youth Advancement Committee were working at the former Mike’s Service Station, 1220 E. Main St., Marion Dec. 30 and Thursday — giving supporters an opportunity to hear plans and see the work ahead.

Volunteers were busy removing floor tiles from the former retail area of the building, which was no easy task. Hammers, chisels, and much labor were required to chip away the pieces of 30-year-old tile.

The drop ceiling in the retail area will be removed and ductwork will be replaced.

“We’ll put in some sort of a metal or tin ceiling,” organizer Amy Kjellin said. “We’ll also get rid of the fluorescent lighting.”

The goal of this project is to provide a safe and fun place for youths to gather.

There will be game centers, comfortable furniture, a television, computer access, Internet access for those who want to bring laptops, and a snack bar.

The single bathroom will be enlarged to accommodate handicapped clientele.

Part of a dividing wall between the retail area and the first bay has already been removed.

The first bay will be the location for a television, a pool table or two, and other activities. The garage door will be removed and replaced with a pedestrian door.

“We’ll probably have to re-pour concrete to level the floor,” Kjellin said, to make is safer.

The vaulted ceiling will stay.

A second bay, directly west of the first bay, will remain as is. Eventually, the group hopes to have a self-serve car wash, located on the far west side of the building, repaired and in working order.

“The car wash could be a moneymaker for us and the west bay could be an area for car detailing,” Kjellin said.

The exterior will also be cleaned up and somewhat beautified. Underground gas tanks and gas pumps have been removed. A canopy is all that remains in the former fueling area.

“We’ll probably leave that. It will be good shelter when we have barbecues or other outdoor activities,” Kjellin said, though volunteers will add a coat of paint to freshen it.

More than a youth center

Organizers hope this center will also be utilized by the school district. No definitive plans have been revealed but the location near Marion Elementary School, the school district’s central office, and the district’s swimming pool and gymnasium is a plus.

“The building could be available to the school district during the day for activities,” Kjellin said.

How can I help?

Volunteers are needed to help with the demolition process. Professionals will also be welcomed — electricians, plumbers, carpenters, and finishers.

When work on the building is completed, adult volunteers will be needed to work shifts — two adults need to be there whenever the youth center is open, Kjellin said.

Anyone interested in volunteering is encouraged to come to the center 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday and Feb. 6.

Workers will also be at the center from 6 to 9 p.m. Monday, Jan. 25, Feb. 1, Feb. 15, and March 1.

The organization will meet at 7 p.m. Jan. 28, Feb. 9, and Feb. 18.

For more information, contact Kjellin at ajkjellin@gmail.com or (620) 381-0244.

Last modified Jan. 6, 2010

 

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