Maple Ridge’s Greg Moore Youth Centre celebrates 25 years

Maple Ridge’s Greg Moore Youth Centre (GMYC) will celebrate its 25th anniversary on Friday, Oct. 2. Open since 2001, the centre has offered young people a place to connect, develop confidence and skills, join programs and make memories.

The celebration at GMYC, 11925 Haney Pl., begins with an all-ages open house from 3 to 6 p.m. Past and present members of the organization will speak, and visitors can tour the centre, meet staff and community partners, learn about current youth programs and attend a barbecue beginning at 5 p.m.

A youth celebration featuring games, prizes, activities and other surprises will run from 6 to 9:30 p.m. Recreation manager Tara Berdej said the event recognizes those who helped build the centre while welcoming a new generation of young people.

Developed through a youth-led community process, the two-storey, 16,000-square-foot facility was among the first dedicated youth recreation spaces of its kind. It was named for Greg Moore, the Maple Ridge professional race-car driver and champion who died in a crash in 1999.

The centre continues to provide drop-in activities and registered programs, with amenities including rock-climbing and bouldering walls, an indoor skateboard and scooter park, a podcast room and a multi-sport court/lounge with foosball, ping pong, billiards, air hockey, board games and video games. GMYC has received awards including the B.C. Parks and Recreation Facility of the Year Award and a Child and Youth Friendly Community Award for innovation.

Residents of all ages are invited to attend. More information is available at MapleRidge.ca/GMYC25 or through @GregMooreYouthCentre on social media.