Programs and classes enrich individuals and the community.
Rarely do theory and practice mesh as smoothly as they do at the Newhall Community Center. Like food that tastes good and is good for you, a thriving, active, popular community center often seems oxymoronic. But that's exactly what you'll find at the brightly colored, modern facility behind the Jan Heidt Metrolink Station.
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One of the most noticeable and striking aspects of the center is its cleanliness and welcoming atmosphere. Though it's been a few years since its 2006 opening, the center still looks good as new. And while many of the walls are constructed of exposed cinderblock, the human element far outshines the industrial. It's also worth noting that the building has never been vandalized or had its walls marked by graffiti.
"One of the things that makes the Newhall Community Center so special is the amount of ownership that the community takes in the facility ...," said Hope Horner, community services administrator for the city. "It's one of the reasons it's a thriving, successful place and why, after being open since 2006, quite honestly it still looks as great as it does. There isn't the graffiti and there aren't the problems that one might expect ... because of the pride that the community takes in this facility."
Horner says this sense of ownership and pride led community members to literally stand guard over the facility during its construction. Since then, it has continued to be treated with respect and is almost always abuzz with some form of activity.
Year-round, the center offers programs for all ages, including general fitness, English as a second language, youth enrichment, boxing, dance, karate, music, and summer day camps. In addition to regular programs and classes, the center also hosts health fairs, culture nights, and holiday and special events.
While many programs are the work of volunteers and parents, some are put on in partnership with other local groups. COC helps coordinate ESL classes, and the Boys and Girls Club organizes indoor soccer at the facility.
One of the center's major programs is its youth group, which has been active since the center was located in a smaller facility on the former San Fernando Road. The youth room is a comfortable hang-out, complete with couches, a billiards table, and video and board games. But fun always follows homework, of course. The walls in the teen room are blue, according to the group's preference. Horner says such subtle notes are present throughout the center, reflecting the involvement and trademarks of the people who make this place what it is, a safe haven and a second home.
Also available for teens at the center is the youth employment program, an opportunity to learn valuable occupational and life skills. Teens can get as much as 100 hours of training in a job of their choice, and local employers get a chance to meet and invest in the workforce of the future.
Another major program is Ballet Folklórico, which practices the traditional Mexican dance style. Folklórico is one of the center's original programs, and the dancers have competed at both regional and national levels, bringing home numerous awards and recognitions. Karate and boxing classes are also popular at the center, and add to the many trophies that fill the case in the foyer. The teams practice in a specially dedicated room, complete with suspended flooring to deter injury and relieve stress on joints.
Horner says community members see the center as a go-to place for information about local programs and for help with social, family, business, and even law enforcement issues. Sheriff's Deputy Joe Trejo keeps a satellite office at the center and is an involved and supportive presence in the community.
According to Horner, the center represents cooperation between the community and its leaders at the city level.
"It's so much more than just checking out handballs or doing glitter art or just having an event," said Horner. "It's really about providing the resources and the support to the community that they've said they need and the city's been responsive to that. And by participating ... they develop the skills and confidence to, when they leave the center, be successful in the community."
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