Parks and Recreation

Youth Life Learning Center at Kirkpatrick Community Center

The Youth Life Learning program at Kirkpatrick Community Center provides comprehensive after-school and summer programs for disadvantaged and underprivileged children living in secure environments through academic technical, and moral training.

Children come to the program from 3:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m., Monday through Friday throughout the school year, and can participate in an enhanced program during the summer months. Students enroll in the program between kindergarten and Grade 4, and may remain enrolled until graduating from high school. Students are involved in the Center's after-school and summer program 4-5 days a week, with parental approval. Both students and parents are required to renew their commitment annually.

Darrell Green a former Washington Redskin, along with several other former NFL players, offiially launched the Youth LIfe Learning Center at Kirkpatrick on October 28. Joining Metro Parks Director Roy Wilson at the event were Mayor Bill Purcell, Police Chief Ronald Serpas, U. S. Congressman Jim Cooper, and Metro Schools Director Dr. Pedro Garcia.

"People and partnerships are the new benchmark of relationships at Metro Parks and we are very excited about the life changing impact the Youth Life Learning Center will have on the young people who utilize this community center," said Wilson. "The tangible expression of this new partnership means: additional personnel and educational materials for children in the program, after-school assistance with homework, character development, and an enhanced summer program."

Wilson went on to say, "The intangible impact of this partnership means: youth who value and embrace ethics, education, and good moral character; young men and women who are prepared to successfully handle the complexities of today's society ... who are confident, motivated, and of good moral character. But just as important - is the value of the partnership to both organizations. It's important because we are maximizing assets, saving costs, and touching the lives of our most valued asset - our children."

For more information on the Kirkpatrick Community Center or the Youth Life Learning Center, call 862-8453.

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