The new Miami Lakes youth center, which has been under construction and delayed for more than two years due to problems with the original contractors, should be finished in September and in time for the new school year, said Town Manager Alex Rey.
At the June 2 regular Town Council meeting, Rey mentioned the grand opening month for the facility when councilmembers were discussing a zoning issue, which now allows South Florida School of Excellence to establish a 24,373 square feet private school in an industrial area for 200 kids with special needs.
The school, which is set to open in August, is located at 15900 N.W. 57 Avenue.
Lawmakers also eliminated a requirement that 75,000 square feet for recreational use to be applied to the site plans, which was reduced to zero.
But school officials said they are required to safely transport all students to some of the town's parks or open spaces for recreational activities.
Rey said the new youth center with a tot-lot is the closest facility, which is nestled inside Picnic Park East near Miami Lakes Drive and N.W. 60 Avenue.
He said arrangements can be made with School of Excellence officials to allow the students to participate in recreation activities from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., Monday through Friday.
After school programs and other recreational programs at the youth center start at 3 p.m.
“The school is less than a mile away from the youth center, which is set to open in September of this year,” Rey said. “We can reach an agreement for maximum use of the facility with financial compensation for the town. It can be a win, win scenario.”