There has been a new, innovative arrival to the Anoka area. The Fish Pond Youth Center opened for business on March 15, 1996 attracting over 400 kids in its first week. Greg Richter, executive director of the Fish Pond has this to say about the youth center, "This place is about kids. It's giving them somewhere to go that's a safe, controlled environment surrounded by caring adults." Adults are there to encourage, counsel and just listen to the kids. Greg emphasizes that the Fish Pond is about community, adults and kids interacting in a place the kids can call their own.

The Fish Pond is a cozy environment complete with lounge areas, vending machines, a movie theater and a game room which includes pool tables, air hockey, darts, arcade games and a basketball court outside. Plans are underway to open a dance club, offer field trips and feature guest speakers. Kids are also free to just lounge, play board games, do puzzles or watch free movies.

"It keeps a lot of kids out of trouble," said one youth. "When you're totally bored with nothing to do, the Fish Pond offers fun stuff to do," said another. The major consensus among the youth was that the Fish Pond was a cool place to hang out and spend their free time.

The efforts of the Fish Pond are strongly supported by Anoka Mayor Pete Beberg; Peter Turok, President of the Anoka Area Chamber of Commerce; Jean Kincanon, chairperson of both the Northwestern Anoka County Community Consortium and the Anoka Success Committee; and Andy Revering, Anoka Chief of Police.

If you are interested in supporting the Fish Pond or volunteering, please call 612/422-8200. The Fish Pond is located at 300 East Main Street in Anoka. Call for hours.