For the first time in its history, The North Ward Center's youth leadership program has a permanent home for its burgeoning recreational program.
In partnership with St. Lucy's Church, The North Ward Center has leased an underutilized gym in St. Lucy's Community Center on 7th Avenue. The gym was officially opened March 31 at an event attended by community leaders and children who play in the North Ward Center's basketball and baseball programs.
"It's like a dream come true," said Rashard Casey, the director of the North Ward Center's Youth Development and Recreation Program. "I've been pushing to have a place of our own for our kids for years. But it's not easy to find a facility like this in Newark."
The opening of The North Ward Center Youth Development Complex at St. Lucy's Church comes as The North Ward Center celebrates its 40th anniversary this year. Stephen N. Adubato, the founder of The North Ward Center, said the complex will offer children in Newark unparalleled recreational opportunities.
"Ever since we started the center, our youth development and recreation program has been an integral part of our mission," Adubato said. "There are many studies that show youth who participate in healthy recreational activities do better in school and stay out of trouble."
The North Ward Center runs the largest private recreational program in the state, serving more than 3,500 Newark children. The year-round program teaches hands on athletic development, teamwork skills and sportsmanship through baseball, softball and basketball. Players have the opportunity to travel to Puerto Rico, Florida and other locations to participate in national and international tournaments.
"With all the uncertainties and challenges facing a child living in the city, we have remained the one constant in their lives," said Michele Adubato, the deputy executive director of The North Ward Center. "Our kids deserve to know these programs will continue."
The basketball teams previously played their games at various gyms around the city. But Casey said scheduling conflicts limited the number of games and practices that could be held. Because of facility restraints, Casey said the basketball program ended at age 13.
"Parents would always ask us to offer programs for older kids, but we didn't have a gym," Casey said. "Now we will be able to expand our offerings for older children in the city."
The gym has enough space for two basketball courts, allowing children to play two games simultaneously. That alone, Casey said, will allow the program to increase the number of games played on the weekends from six to 12.
The facility also has three batting cages suitable for little league, softball and high school. Two of the cages have machines that can pitch as fast as 65 miles per hour and one has a 101 mile per hour pitch.
Adrianne Davis, the executive director of The North Ward Center, said she is thrilled that the Youth Development and Recreation program has a permanent home.
"This is a wonderful facility that will serve our children today and for years to come," Davis said.
Local elected officials were credited with helping to create the Youth Development Complex at St. Lucy's Church.
"I am proud to have supported the establishment of this recreation center," said North Ward Councilman Anibal Ramos. "In my first term as councilman, I have worked on renovating Elwood Park, developing a state-of-the-art Kasberger little league and soccer complex and the Andre Tippet soccer and football field. When asked for assistance for this endeavor, I could not think of a better cause."
Essex County Joseph DiVincenzo said the partnership between St. Lucy's and The North Ward Center benefits the entire community.
"Throughout my professional career, I have been dedicated to creating recreation opportunities for children that promote physical fitness, sportsmanship and teamwork," DiVincenzo said. "I commend The North Ward Center and St. Lucy's Church for working together to maximize the use of an underutilized facility. This partnership enables the Center's Youth Development Program to expand and provide more children with access to these productive activities."
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