Salvation Army Plans Activities for Youths

Youth activities, including after-school recreation and academic tutoring, will be among programs offered by the Salvation Army at a center formerly owned by the Anaheim Family YMCA.

The Salvation Army took possession today of the 55,000-square-foot facility at North and Loara streets, which is now the Red Shield Family Activity Center. The building was purchased by the Salvation Army in 1992 and had been leased back to the YMCA for the last three years.

“We’re trying to keep youth who are at risk out of trouble before they get into it,” said Lee R. Lescano, the Salvation Army’s Orange County coordinator. “Before they play basketball, they will have to do their homework.”

Along with its scouting programs, the Salvation Army will step up its gang-intervention efforts as it opens the Red Shield facility.

Youths and adults will be able to swim in the center’s heated indoor pool, take part in basketball leagues, participate in weight training and worship in the chapel.

The YMCA, meanwhile, is relocating programs to its other facilities in Anaheim. Some activities, such as aquatic classes, will continue to be offered at the center by the YMCA in partnership with the Salvation Army.

The center is in the midst of a $200,000 renovation project to upgrade the pool filtration system, the gymnasium floor and the racquetball courts. The Salvation Army plans to spend an additional $200,000 to $250,000 on improvements at a later date.

A grand opening celebration for the center is scheduled for March 16 from 1 to 5 p.m. Information: (714) 832-7100 or (714) 491-1450.