Recreation Center for Teenagers to Open

It's a Taj Mahal for teens, a dream home away from home for Duarte youngsters.

The doors officially open Saturday on the $1.2-million Duarte Teen Center, which has everything from a boxing ring to pinball machines to a computer lab.

As city workers completed the final touches on the social and recreation center this week, high school students began checking out the 6,640-square-foot facility's weight room, game room and lounge.

In a city where nearly one-third of the residents are under 18, City Manager Jesse Duff said it is important for teenagers to have a place to call their own.

The center in Duarte Park, conceived a decade ago and designed with the help of local teens, is part of the city's master plan.

Mayor John Fasana will oversee the opening of the center at 5 p.m. Saturday.

The center will then be open to all Duarte teenagers Monday to Saturday from noon to 8 p.m.