YMCA Center of Generations to open

BY TAYLER SHAW TSHAW@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

Centennial residents looking for interactive activities this summer, whether it be playing esports, learning about government, or taking cooking classes, will have a new option — the Centennial YMCA Center of Generations.

Created through a partnership between the City of Centennial and the YMCA of Metro Denver, the new center opens in early May and with some initial programming.

e goal is to be fully operational by this summer, according to a joint news release.

Located in the Streets at SouthGlenn shopping complex, the 6,345 square foot center aims to be a multi-generational space that will o er programs for young people and older adults.

“ e city is excited to partner with the YMCA to develop senior and youth programming for Centennial residents,” said Centennial Mayor Stephanie Piko in the release.

“Centennial’s Senior and Youth Commissions have shared the desire and need for a place for both age groups to gather and enjoy various programs, and the YMCA has the capacity and experience to make this happen,” Piko added.

e YMCA of Metro Denver will operate and establish programming at the center, according to the release. Residents can expect to see programs such as tness activities, a youth in government program, cooking classes and esports.

Esports refers to competitive video gaming, a eld that has quickly grown in popularity over the years. In the fall of 2022, it was sanctioned by the Colorado High School Activities Association (CHSAA). e association held a Rocket League state championship in December that Cherry Creek High School won, making Cherry Creek the rst team to win a CHSAA-sanctioned esports title, according to the association. sions along with the Y, as additional opportunities for community involvement become available,” Piko said in the release. city will provide roughly $179,000 in annual support funding, per the drafted agreement. To account for in ation, this amount will be adjusted upward each year by 5%, which means the annual support funding for 2024 will be $187,950. ose interested in learning more about the Centennial YMCA Center of Generations can visit denverymca.org/centennial-cog.

At the new YMCA center, 11-to18-year-olds will be invited into the space to work on improving their gaming skills, according to the news release. is esports program will be a pilot for the rest of YMCA of Metro Denver.

For young people interested in law, journalism or government, the YMCA’s three-month “Youth in Government” program will be o ered at the center. According to the release, participants will take on the roles of politicians, lobbyists, attorneys and journalists. SilverSneakers, a tness and wellness program for older adults, will also be available at the site.

“ e YMCA specializes in providing a safe place for multi-generations who want to meet up with friends, or make new friends, and engage in activities that are interesting and fun,” YMCA Senior Vice President of Strategic Growth and Mission of Metropolitan Denver Kimberly Armitage said in the release.

To help decide what programs the center should o er, the city had an online survey open to the public, which Centennial’s youth commission and senior commission helped design.

According to the drafted collaboration agreement between Centennial and the YMCA, the city will provide $215,000 in start-up funding to help cover the cost of things like supplies, maintenance and utilities.