Marimn Health breaks ground on youth center
From left, Carlee Colman, Hazel Mahoney, Ryanna Ortivez, Sadie Leo, Jacob Leo and Amira Sepulveda participate in Friday’s groundbreaking for a new youth center on the Coeur d’Alene Indian Reservation. JEROME A. POLLOS/Special to The Press
Jaylee McFadden gets ready to shovel dirt with the help of Marimn Health Wellness Center Director Lindsey Holt. (JEROME A. POLLOS/Special to The Press)
WORLEY — Youths living on the Coeur d’Alene Reservation will soon have a new place to hang out after school and on weekends.
Marimn Health has planned a new 32,200-square-foot youth center near Worley.
Marimn Health, the Coeur d’Alene Tribe’s health care organization, held a groundbreaking ceremony on Friday to celebrate the start of construction.
"This youth center will be a catalyst for change for our entire reservation community," said Marimn Health CEO Helo Hancock. "We are essentially building a prevention center designed to equip our wonderful youth with the programming, support and resources needed to overcome life’s challenges.
"We believe this facility will create a blueprint for all communities to use in the battle against addiction, abuse, crime and poverty, regardless of geographic location."
The center includes:
- a family waterpark with a waterslide, indoor splash pad with zero depth entry and children’s play area, a lazy river, and lap lanes;
- dedicated space for the Boys and Girls Club of the Coeur d’Alene Tribe to run programs;
- outdoor sports areas including a basketball court, softball and baseball fields and football field that can double as powwow grounds;
- a small adult fitness area;
- community meeting rooms;
- office and meeting space for Behavioral Health professionals;
- medical exam rooms;
- space for child development, therapy and other future programs
- an outdoor playground for kids;
- a pavilion and picnic area for the community; and
- an indoor kids play area.
"This new youth center will help us build brighter futures," said Coeur d’Alene Tribal Health Authority Board Chairman Matt Stensgar. "Ultimately, we are trying to increase the odds that our kids succeed in school, stay away from drugs, alcohol and crime. We want our kids to have a better chance to lead healthy lives."
The project will cost about $19 million. Marimn Health is set to secure roughly $4 million through the New Market Tax Credit program to help offset the costs of construction. The balance of the project will be paid for directly by Marimn Health or through fundraising efforts.
The building was designed by NAC Architects. Bouten Construction of Spokane is the general contractor for the project. The center will be built on tribally-owned land adjacent to U.S. 95 near the city of Worley.
For more information about the center, visit www.marimnhealth.org/youth-center.