Park of the Month - William "Bill" Austen Youth Center

Many Cape Coral residents may not remember the origins of Cape Coral 's Youth Center. From the idea's inception to the ribbon cutting ceremony in September of 2003, the William "Bill" Austen Youth Center has become an integral part of Cape Coral's parks. Originally proposed by former Police Chief, Arnold Gibbs, many volunteers and supporters worked diligently to make the idea a reality. With it's many activities, programs and outstanding facilities, our community is a better place because of its existence.

For these reasons, the William "Bill" Austen Youth Center is our August Park of the Month.




The William Austen Youth Center caters to area youths between the ages of 8-18 and offers a variety of programs for all interests.


Beginning August 18, 2008 for just $25.00 per week the William Austen Youth Center is excited to offer our new T.I.G.E.R.S. drop in program. T.I.G.E.R.S is a comprehensive drop-in program with engaging activities, arts & crafts, homework assistance, sports, games, playground exercise, computer stations and much more. Walk-in only registration begins August 4th at 8:00 AM and will be on a first come first serve basis. The T.I.G.E.R.S. drop in program will require a Youth Center membership. Hours of operation for this program will be 2-6:00 PM on Monday through Friday while school is in session.

Youth Center Annual Membership*: Ages 8-18 $30 Resident / $35 Non-Resident Skate Park/Youth Center Combo*: Ages 8-18 $55 Resident / $60 Non-Resident TIGERS Drop In Program: Ages 8-18 $25 weekly per Resident / $30 weekly per Non-Resident.

Looking for a great place to hold your next party, banquet, training or seminar? Our newly designed, 2600 sq.ft. Recreation room can accommodate up to 200 people! This room, which comes equipped with a full arcade, pool table, and two ping pong tables, is perfect for events, team banquets and club meetings ! Plenty of extras are available including a stage, dance lighting, a "Karaoke-ready" DJ and equipment, and even a High Definition projector w/ 600 watt surround-sound system that can play movies, Powerpoint® presentations and more !


The Youth Center features it’s very own Club Music Zone. Every Friday night is “DJ Jam Night” from 7:00-10:00pm. Participants must be between the ages of 12-18 and the cost is only $5 per person. Today’s selection of the hottest music is played by our very own DJ. A professional DJ course is also available to club goers, in which participants are taught the use of portable equipments such as turntables, speakers and microphones, as well as DJ techniques and how to select music.

“Live Music Night” is offered every Saturday Night from 7:00-10:00pm for children ages 12-18 years old. The cost is only $5 per person and these events features Open Mic night, Karaoke, Live Bands and Latin Dances.

The Youth Center also offers many classes to its participants all year long. Coming soon, the Youth Center will offer “Intro to Soccer Blast” which is a free flowing game that has relatively few rules and requires little equipment. The participants will get involved in physical activity as well as learn the basic fundamentals of soccer and how they are applied on the field of play. Soccer is a simple game to understand and is easy for all ages to enjoy. We will also be offering “Intermediate Basketball” lessons. This course is designed to teach participants how to shoot, pass, rebound and dribble. An important focus of the class will be on teamwork !

Other classes to be offered include “Intro to Theatre,” where the course is designed to enhance the child’s enjoyment and understanding of the theatrical experience, and our “Book Club” class is an excellent way to fulfill a life long love of reading and share the experience with other youths.


For more information about the William “Bill” Austen Youth Center, visit their website or call them at (239) 242-3950 seven days a week !