Santa Maria’s Abel Maldonado Community Youth Center, 600 S. McClelland St., is extending its hours of operation starting Friday, Sept. 1.

The Youth Center will be open 3:30-8 p.m. Monday through Thursday; 3:30-9 p.m. Fridays; and noon-9 p.m. Saturdays.

Additionally, the Youth Center’s tutoring program will resume in September. Through a partnership with Allan Hancock College, College Corps Fellows will be assigned to tutor teens in grades seven through 12, 3:30-7:30 p.m. Mondays and Wednesdays; 4:30-7:30 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays; and noon to 5 p.m. Saturdays.

The Youth Center will be closed Monday, Sept. 4 in observance of Labor Day.

The Abel Maldonado Community Youth Center is a safe and supervised setting where teens engage in recreational activities. Amenities include an arcade, art studio, basketball courts, a computer lab, fitness center, home theater, musical instruments, and a photo booth.

It is also the hub for popular programs, including self-defense instruction, social events, and yoga classes for girls, Teen Trails, Teen Treks, the Great Mystery Series, and leadership clubs, such as Full STEAM Ahead and Key Club.

Membership is free for teens ages 12 through 18 and attending grades seven through 12.

The McClelland Street Market, in the Youth Center, offers hot and pre-packaged foods for purchase. Hours of operation are 8 a.m.-7 p.m. weekdays, and noon-7 pm. Saturdays.

This is part of a broader set of Smart City, Safe City programs supporting the City Council’s goal of more recreation for families, and the Recreation and Parks Department’s goal to create opportunities for social engagement.

Direct questions to the Santa Maria Recreation and Parks Department, 805-925-0951 ext. 2260.