Abel Maldonado Youth Center in Santa Maria opens with winter break hours, health protocols in place

SANTA MARIA, Calif. -- The Abel Maldonado Community Youth Center in Santa Maria is opening with new winter break hours beginning today.

With local schools now out due to winter break, the youth center will be open from 12:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on weekdays, and from 12:00 to 5:00 p.m. on Saturdays beginning Monday, December 20 through Wednesday, January 12.

"We are excited that the winter break is here," said Jason Davie, Santa Maria Recreation Supervisor. "Our teenagers 7th through 12th grade will be able to come to the Abel Maldonado Youth Center and have a great time. We have a lot of things that are going to be available, different activities, different programs."

The youth center will also be closed for several days during the upcoming holidays, including December 24, 25, 31, and January 1.

To help ensure the health and safety of visitors and staff, there are a number of COVID-19-related protocols in place.

"We are ensuring that our kids are wearing masks at all times and we also have sanitation stations for them to sanitize," said Davie. "We have a fantastic maintenance team here. They are here practically all day long wiping things down and sanitizing, including our regular rec leaders staff are doing the same. If there is a game is happening, as soon as they finish that game, that game is getting sanitized, basketballs are getting sanitized."

Children are also encouraged to utilize outside areas, such as the basketball courts as much as possible.

All safety measures are in accordance to the most current health guidelines in place by the Santa Barbara County Public Department.

"The City of Santa Maria is following the most recent guidance put out by the county," said Dennis Smitherman, Santa Maria Recreation Services Manager. "Our guidelines are available on the city's website for all parents to review just to ensure their kids are being safe while they're here."

"At this time it's really important that we're offering a free, fun area where kids are safe. The staff are all background checked. We're keeping up on Covid protocols and we just really want to make sure your teens are having a safe, fun time here in the City of Santa Maria."

Other safety measures and are also in place.

Guidelines established by the Recreation and Parks Department includes: Participants will refrain from wearing inappropriate clothing. Fighting, drug use, smoking, and threats will not be tolerated. Members will maintain respect for staff, facility, and guests at all times. All children attending the youth center are issued a photo I.D. card. During their first visit, children will have a picture is taken and be sgiven an application to be completed and returned with a parent's signature.

A number of fun-filled activities are available for guests at the youth center.

"We have an entertainment room that has pool tables, foosball and video arcade games, as well as air hockey," said Davie. "We have a technology center with computers and printers. A media room where kids can come in and watch the big screen TV with various movies or play music. We have a basketball court and we have a fitness center full of weight equipment and cardio equipment."

Teenagers in grades 7 through 12 are eligible for a free membership. 

In addition, The McClelland Street Market that is located within the building, offers kids a variety of hot and pre-packaged foods for purchase.

The Abel Maldonado Community Youth Center is located at 600 South McClelland Street in Santa Maria.

For more information, call (805) 925-0951 ext. 2260 or click here.