August 16, 2019
Construction to begin near Worley this month.
Plummer, IDAHO – Youth living on the Coeur d’Alene Reservation will soon have a new place to hang out after school and on weekends.
Marimn Health has planned a new 32,200 square foot Youth Center near Worley, Idaho. Marimn Health, the Coeur d’Alene Tribe’s healthcare organization, held a groundbreaking ceremony today to celebrate the start of construction. Construction will begin in the days following.
“This Youth Center will be a catalyst for change for our entire reservation community,” said Marimn Health CEO Helo Hancock. “We are essentially building a prevention center designed to equip our wonderful youth with the programming, support and resources needed to overcome life’s challenges. We believe this facility will create a blueprint for all communities to use in the battle against addiction, abuse, crime, and poverty, regardless of geographic location.”
The Youth Center includes:
- A family waterpark with a waterslide, indoor splash pad with zero depth entry and children’s play area, a lazy river, and lap lanes;
- Dedicated space for the Boys & Girls Club of the Coeur d’Alene Tribe to run programs. Club space includes a technology center, teen center, art room, and activity spaces;
- Outdoor sports areas including a basketball court, softball and baseball fields, and football field that can double as powwow grounds;
- A small adult fitness area;
- Community meeting rooms;
- Office and meeting space for Behavioral Health professionals;
- Medical exam rooms;
- Space for child development, therapy, and other future programs
- An outdoor playground for kids;
- A pavilion and picnic area for the community;
- And an indoor kids’ play area.
“This new youth center will help us build brighter futures. Ultimately, we are trying to increase the odds that our kids succeed in school, stay away from drugs, alcohol, and crime. We want our kids to have a better chance to lead healthy lives,” said Coeur d’Alene Tribal Health Authority Board Chairman Matt Stensgar.
The project will cost approximately $19 million. Marimn Health is set to secure roughly $4 million through the New Market Tax Credit program to help offset the costs of construction. The balance of the project will be paid for directly by Marimn Health or through fundraising efforts.
The building was designed by NAC Architects. Bouten Construction of Spokane, WA is the general contractor for the project. The facility will be built on tribally-owned land adjacent to Highway 95 near the city of Worley.
For more information about the Youth Center or to find out how you can help out, visit Marimn Health’s website at www.marimnhealth.org/youth-center.
###
The Coeur d’Alene Tribe and Marimn Health have a history of progressive solutions that serve the greater community – the Medical Center, which opened in 1990, was the first tribal health facility in the nation to partner with HHS to open its services to both native and non-native patients. The Wellness Center, built in 1998, serves both tribal and non-tribal community members and includes youth programs and youth sports that are also open to all kids in the community. Marimn Health will open the Youth Center and its Boys & Girls Club to all youth in the community.
