Other parts of the building are used for the teen center, gymnastics program, community use, and storage.

Some towns have teen centers, but in others teenagers have to rely on the old standbys.

The building also served as an informal teen center in the 1940s and 1950s.

More than $200 in donations was collected at the meeting for an alcohol-free teen center that a group of parents hopes to establish.

The building has been used as a dance hall, teen center and as a garage for the city streets department.

"I'd like to see more adult support of the teen center, more parents urging their children to use it," she said.

Other kids I met when I volunteered at teen centers throughout the area.

"We showed it in the churches and the teen centers, and it was just powerful," he said.

There has been a noticeable drop in the incidence of crime in the area since the teen centre opened.

"I played pool in the teen center, and got my first facial," said Ashley, a 10th grader.