What’s The Hub’s mission?
The Hub Teen Center & Skatepark is a nonprofit teen center serving youth from age 12 to 19 with the mission of providing a safe, supervised, substance-free environment when school in not in session. The Hub provides an alternative to traditional after school activities by giving teens a place of their own to socialize, study, access the internet, hear music, explore interests like visual arts or videography, feel safe and experience the support and supervision of adults who respect the challenges of young adulthood.
Who runs The Hub?
The Hub is a program of the Town of Bristol’s Recreation Department. The Hub staff report to the Recreation Director, who reports to the Town Administrator, who reports to the Bristol Town Selectboard, who represent Bristol taxpayers.
Who owns The Hub?
The Bristol Recreation Club, a local private nonprofit organization, owns the Hub building and the land it and the skatepark are on. The Bristol Recreation Club rents the building and grounds to the Town of Bristol.
When is The Hub open?
Every school day when Mt. Abraham Union High School gets out, until 6pm. Hours expand in the summertime (resources permitting). The skatepark is open from dawn until dusk, when it officially closes to the public.
Who pays for the Hub?
The Town of Bristol pays for basic operating costs, 1.5 staff, and makes a contribution toward programming costs. The Hub staff works to bring additional funding to the center and its programs by writing applications to foundations and other supporters, which include The United Way of Addison County, State of Vermont Department of Health, and the Vermont Community Foundation.
Do you allow smoking/vaping at the teen center?
Smoking/vaping is not allowed on the Hub or skatepark property.
Can my group or team use the Hub for an event?
Yes! If your group or team is generally age 12-19 years old and has a coach or chaperone with you, the Hub is available for parties and meetings. Contact Taylor to schedule a date!
Can I host my child’s birthday party at the Hub?
Yes! Our video games, musical instruments, and full kitchen make the Hub a perfect local venue to have a child’s birthday party. Contact Taylor to schedule a date!
I want The Hub to succeed as a resource for Bristol’s youth. How can I help?
Donations of funding, expertise, and time are all welcome – The Hub has grown over the years, but only because of community support. We generally always have a wish list of items that would be useful, and donations via the Recreation Department that help us afford supplies and improvements are always very welcome. If you’d like to present a workshop or demonstration that teens would appreciate, contact us to explore your ideas. Most importantly, you can talk about the Hub to friends and family!
How could I play a role in important decisions at The Hub?
As a taxpayer, your vote on Town Meeting Day for Bristol’s Recreation Dept. budget is also a vote to keep the town engaged with local teens, providing a safe and supervised resource at The Hub. Your comments or suggestions are welcome and can be directed to the Hub’s director, the Recreation Department, or the Town Administrator and Selectboard. The Hub always welcomes you to visit, meet the staff, and take a tour. Many years of effort have gone into making The Hub as good as it is now, and your input will help make it even better. A group of volunteer Hub supporters from our community – business owners, community leaders, parents and teens – comprise the Hub’s Community Advisory Board. The C.A.B. meets monthly to combine experience and skills to advance The Hub and its programs on behalf of the community and its youth. If you have an interest in participating reach out via the contact page!