Video games, Foos Ball, and area youth joined up on Friday for a successful grand opening of the Montezuma County Partners’ Youth First Activity Center.

The opening of the center marked the beginning of the first permanent youth activity and education center in the area. Open for 12- to 17-year-olds two days a week, the center will be much more than a place to play games. Reva Rowley, Executive Director for Partners, explained that the center would serve as a hub for expanding education, as well as including leadership opportunities for pre-teens and teens.

"It’s an activity center, as opposed to a rec center," Rowley said. "There’s an educational aspect."

The center will offer tutoring for middle school students and a computer lab where students can learn job readiness and resume development.

Students participating in the Re-1 School District Safety Net program, for kids that have been expelled, will be able to complete core classes at the center.

In addition, Youth First will have a youth advisory board that will create the rules and a discipline code for the center. Eventually the center will also have a youth-run snack bar. Video games, an exercise room, Foos Ball, air hockey and pool tables will complete the activities at Youth First.

Rowley explained that she is hopeful for the center. "Our ultimate goal is to be open five days a week, but we’ll have to see how much of a demand there is for it," she said. The center is currently open on Thursday and Friday from 1 to 6 p.m.