The meeting was called to order by Chris Zukin at 12:14 pm with the reading of an article that appeared The Dalles Chronicle, Looking Back 20 Years Ago column. The article reported that the "green light from the New Northern Wasco County Recreation District board" had been given for the plan to develop a facility at the Thompson Park and Natatorium area. Clearly, the need for a youth center continues, one that would provide the opportunity for wholesome activity, the development of healthy habits, and positive relationships with other kids and adults.Joe Martin shared the vision of a Community Youth Center. He has talked with various organizations and individuals that could be key players in the development of this plan. He reinforced that this would not be a community center but a YOUTH center, where their interests/needs would be the first concern. Kids need/want a place of their own. JMartin's vision is for a fantastic facility, not just a small or adequate one. This would be a facility in a central location that any and all youth organizations could use: 4H, Big Brothers Big Sisters, Parks & Rec, youth baseball, soccer, football, Special Olympics, WonderWorks… He has visited many youth centers and skate parks in the region, surveying kids and staff about their favorite parts of the various facilities usages and considers the optimum to include:

* Gymnasium - 2 courts with a dividing curtain that could be used for basketball, volleyball, roller hockey, dodge ball, etc.
* Commons Area - with a stage, eating area, ping pong, pool tables, foosball
* Computer Lab
* Classrooms - computer lab, for art, home economics…
* Video Production Lab
* Skate Park
* Field house - for indoor soccer, football, batting cages, rock climbing wall
* Outdoor fields - baseball, soccer, football, etc.

CZukin reiterated that this plan is in the early stages, which could be at the best of times or the worst of times given all of the construction everywhere. But, there is community recognition of the need, especially with the anticipated growth of our community. Several potential sites, but the premium one is the Wasco County property near the Little League fields, Kramer field and the armory. Others are looking at this site, which adds pressure to getting this coalition solidified, a plan set in motion, and a commitment for the property. Kim Nosenzo said that she has 2 notebooks of information about various organizations that provide grant-type money, which she would be willing to share. Mary Linebarger brought several documents that are necessary to complete to get 503(c) (3) status. GOAL: Have these completed for our next meeting.Audience Q & A:

Q - Do we have the media involved? A: Yes
Q - Is there a ballpark figure for the potential cost? A: Too many decisions remain to be made to have any cost projections yet.
Q - Since Wonderworks would require a permanent space, would there be a place for them? A: The coalition will develop the design of the facility and all interested players should plan to participate. Certainly a shared facility would spread the costs making it more affordable for everyone.
Q - What will be the structure of the coalition? A: The coalition will work out all of these details.
Q - Are you (Joe Martin) committed to being the coordinator for the facility? A: Yes and no! Some have concerns for the conflict that might be perceived of the faith-based organization that I represent.
Q - Has there been any youth involvement? A: Their has been some vision casting with youth, but realistically, this project has a timeline that is too long for kids to get too enthusiastic about at this time.
Q - How involved is Boys and Girls Club in this project? Money? A: They are in the beginning stages themselves. They need money just to get the start-up portion of getting a club here. JMartin encouraged their organizers to let this coalition get this piece going for them.
Q - What's the timeline for getting more involvement? A: At the next meeting there will be development of the various committees that can get started.

Audience Comments:
* This will be a tremendous challenge, but the time is now, overwhelming but exciting!
* The Treetop Play Park is a great model for how to get things done, many people took part. There needs to be a facilitator who will generate enthusiasm and get the people together.
* One of the reasons that the Thompson Park project of 20 years ago did not come about was that so many were unaware.
* Grantors want to see community involvement before contributing money. Getting the wheels rolling will improve the chances for acquisition of funds.
* We need to develop a "Dream Team" of stakeholders and get an artist's rendering of the concept so that a visual can generate interest and enthusiasm.

Next meeting: September 29th, Friday, Spooky's, noon

* Bring those who have been successful in any of the areas that will be needed: real estate knowledge, fundraising, construction, public relations, grant writing…
* Think about the role YOU want to play

The participants who registered their attendance include:
Tonya Aitkin (4-H), Gladys Caddy (ACTS), Joshua & Kim Cox, Steve Dingman, Helen Elsmore (Kiwanis), Steve Garrett (TDWHS), Scott Green (NWCPR), Jenny Halsch (Big Brothers Big Sisters), Nolan Hare (ACTS), Anne Kelly (Wonderworks), Mary Linebarger (A-Tax), Mel Lyda (ACTS), Bob McFadden, Scott McKay (Wasco County Court), Kim Nosenzo, Steve OpBroek, Willie Riese (ACTS), John & Janet Rockwell, Tracie Schubert, Glenn Taylor (Windermere), Trudy Townsend (Commission on Children & Families), Earline Wasser, Peggy Wolfe (Wolfe Enterprises).