Washington Gorge Action Program’s (WAGAP) youth center is expected to be moved into the school district’s Park Center building, above, by mid-February.
Washington Gorge Action Program’s (WAGAP) youth center is expected to be moved into the school district’s Park Center building, above, by mid-February.
WHITE SALMON — White Salmon Valley School District’s (WSVSD) January board meeting was held at Columbia High School instead of its usual Park Center space due to construction.
Superintendent Rich Polkinghorn said the venue change was because Washington Gorge Action Programs’ (WAGAP) Community Youth Center is in the process of moving to WSVSD’s Park Center building. The youth center has been serving the community for more than 25 years, and a move was deemed necessary due to the deterioration of its current facility.
“This move will provide the center with a much-needed new home in a prime location across the street from [Whitson Elementary], adjacent to the park and splash pad,” Polkinghorn said in his board report. “This proximity will enhance accessibility for students and strengthen the connection between the center and the outdoor resources of our community.”
WAGAP Associate Director Juan Reyes said the move is underway, with small items being transferred to the new space.
“The official move date will be the week of Feb. 3-7, weather permitting,” Reyes told Columbia Gorge News in an email. “The Youth Center will be closed during that week. Our hope is to reopen at the new location on Monday, Feb. 10.”
School board meetings will now be located in the large middle space of the Park Center building — which was not yet ready for its January meeting — with the youth center occupying the former board meeting space.
“This partnership and shared space is very exciting for the center, WAGAP and the district to be able to continue to provide a safe, enriching environment for our kids after school,” Polkinghorn said.
A ribbon cutting ceremony will be planned after the youth center has moved, Reyes said.
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