The new teen center is proving to be popular (whatever keeps them away from bowling alleys is a good thing)…

Hercules teen center the place to be for youths

Hercules center offers activities for youths
By Chris Treadway

The new teen/youth center in Hercules is proving popular, with about 100 young people taking advantage of its before- and after-school programs each weekday.

Offerings at the city-run, 3,100-square-foot center that opened in mid-April include a computer room, lounge room with video games and karaoke, game tables such as air hockey and pingpong, tutoring, outdoor sports, instructional programs, homework assistance and a snack bar.

“It’s going great,” said Janine Shaheed, teen/youth coordinator for the city.

Youths can socialize in a safe environment, and the facility at 2007 Refugio Valley Road is next door to the Swim Center. There is even a program that makes books available from the Hercules Library.

With school about to let out, the center is offering its first summer program. Young people in sixth through 12th grades can take advantage of the Sizzling Summer Pass, which provides access to the center weekdays from 5:30 to 9 p.m. and Saturdays from noon to 4 p.m.

The monthly cost for the pass is $40 for residents, $45 for nonresidents and $30 for Teen Youth Council members.

Summer day camp sessions for sixth- through ninth-graders will be held from June 18 to Aug. 15 and include weekly field trips or entertainment/activities at the center.

The center, dubbed THE SPOT — Teens of Hercules Empowering through Spirit, Perseverance, Outreach and Teamwork — also is available to host teenagers’ birthday parties.

For details, call 510-799-8291.