Dawson Creek’s Ark celebrates 35 years of youth empowerment

DAWSON CREEK, B.C. — Local youth activity centre The Ark in Dawson Creek is celebrating its 35th anniversary with a street party on Friday, September 13th.

According to its website, the Christian-centric facility was started in the late 1980s by local businessman John VonSpronsen, who envisioned a facility where youth would feel comfortable and relationships with youth workers be fostered.

Operated by the Dawson Creek Youth Centre Society, the 10,000-square-foot facility opened in October 1989.

It now houses an after-school Kid’s Cafe on Mondays, where youth can participate in crafts and activities. Leagues include basketball, ball hockey, and drop-in programs five days a week.

The facility also rents the space for functions, such as birthday parties. The grounds host a fenced-in basketball court and beach volleyball courts, and a lit outdoor hockey arena. 

According to the society’s chairman, Elaine Fitzpatrick, various other sports leagues, such as Mixed Martial Arts, Gymnastics, and Skateboarding have been held in previous years, 

She added the community’s residents have continuously returned, sometimes where “grandparents who used the facility as kids have brought their grandchildren.”

Fitzpatrick says VonSpronsen couldn’t have imagined how successful it has become.

“John’s purpose was to have something for kids to go. A safe place in our town,” explained Fizpatrick. “It was never intended to be a franchise. John’s vision was simply a safe place to have youth go and connect with their peers.”

“It was a place seen where youth could connect with adults who would demonstrate compassion and care for them.”

Friday’s street party will include a barbecue, bouncy castle, family dance, and an alumni ball hockey tournament featuring present and former volunteers in action.

Fitzpatrick said the decision to hold the event on Friday the 13th had more to do with the weather conditions. It is still warm enough to hold a dunk tank, where attendees can make members of the board and coaches take a swim.

“We figured October might be too cold for a dunk tank and street party,” joked Fitzpatrick.

During warmer weather, the centre hosts three-on-three basketball, ball hockey and beach volleyball drop-in nights.

When winter falls, the arena is flooded, giving the town an additional ice surface. The grounds can be accessed by all members of the community. 

Family skates and shinny hockey are hosted at that time, said Fitzpatrick.

Ark Youth Centre’s 35th anniversary Street Party will kick off at 5 p.m. on Friday, September 13th beginning at 5 p.m.

Further information about the centre can be found at the Ark’s Facebook page and website.