The Loft Opens; Youth Programming Expands

Cold Lake and District FCSS unveiled their new space on Wednesday that will allow their youth programming to expand.

Located on the second floor, “The Loft” will help get the kids out of a classroom and adult environment into their own space.

Ada Papiernik, child and youth program facililator, says they hope that The Loft will make their activites “more inviting,” especially for the older kids.

“It’s just to make their own space. To make them feel valued. Nothing helps more than making it feel like it’s their own space, and it’s more youth friendly,” said Papiernik.

All youth programming will move there, which features a small theatre room for movie nights, space to play and roam, and a small kitchenette area. The 12-17 year old crowd will have expanded publishing and writing courses, photography classes, paint nights, and movie nights to participate in.

The Loft will also host Cold Lake Youth Council meetings when they resume in the fall.

The only way to get to The Loft is by stairs. Kim Schmidtz, FCSS manager, is currently working on a provincial grant application to fund a man lift, so it’s more accessible for people with disabilities.

“We want the space to be easy to get to for everybody,” said Schmidtz.

The grand opening culminates a three year building process from when the FCSS first pitched it to Cold Lake city council in 2015.