After a month in its new downtown Glenwood Springs digs at Ninth and Blake, YouthZone is set for its grand opening celebration Thursday evening, and is inviting the community to join in.

The grand opening takes place from 5–7 p.m. Thursday evening. There will be hot dogs, popcorn, ice cream and kids activities, plus tours of the new facility.

“We want the whole community to see what they have created,” YouthZone Board President Marci Pattillo said in a press release announcing the grand opening event.

“This was a truly heartfelt and community-led campaign,” she said. “It would not have been possible without everyone’s generous donation of time and support this past year.”

In February 2018, the YouthZone board resolved to buy the old Glenwood Springs library building, and secured a loan for the purchase price through private funding.

A major renovation of the facility ensued in order to meet the needs of the growing youth services organization.

Alex Yajko of Wings Consulting LLC was brought in to lead fundraising efforts to cover the cost of the building and the four months of remodeling. Under her leadership, the capital campaign raised $1.7 million.

“Complete success was inevitable working with such a dedicated group of volunteers,” Yajko said in the release. “YouthZone’s Board of Directors and members of the campaign cabinet made this one of the most rewarding fundraising experiences I have ever had.”

YouthZone’s previous location on School Street lasted 30 years with a $1 a year lease from the Roaring Fork School District. That property transferred to the city of Glenwood Springs through a land swap tied to the confluence-area redevelopment plans, and YouthZone had to move.

The new building required a much bigger investment to provide the right kind of space for a strong future, according to the release.