On Nov. 21, the board of directors of NaperBridge came together for the grand opening of their new teen center. While this has been an on going plan throughout the NaperBridge community over the past three years, it became a reality as the ribbon to the facility was cut, signifying the official opening.

Board President of NaperBridge, Jeff Haake began this process with the goal of helping teens feel welcome within in their community, “I see NaperBridge as being a place where teens can come downtown and they can feel like they belong.”

The board of directors behind the creation of this teen center have very big goals for its potential future. “The cool thing about the space is that it’s multi-purpose and this whole place will be able to be open for high school bands, high school DJs, and it is just an opportunity for high school students to showcase their talents,” said Austin Hansen, member of the NaperBridge Student Board.

NaperBridge hopes to bring dimension to the community for teens, allowing them to have a safe place to hang out and meet new people.  “We really want to represent all five of the Naperville high schools, members of our student board get to decide what goes on in the space,” said Executive Director, Andy Jack. “We just hope to bring kids together, the cool thing about NaperBridge is that we’re not just one high school, and just have a place where you don’t have to be anything but yourself.”

NaperBridge opened the downtown teen center at 231 S. Washington St in November 2013 and provides drop in times, programs, and events for Junior High and Senior High School students.

 By Gabbie Ramos

Photo by Grant Bolle