When I was a kid, I remember the centers at McNamara and Stephan Leonard parks being the heart and life of the community. The Mac was so beautiful. I swam in the pool, watched my mom play softball and spent my weekends there. I remember the Mac center being staffed by Parks and Recreation workers.
Now youth advocates are pushing the City Council to invest $29,000 in the Mac’s operating budget to close some of the gaps and pay for a part-time staff member to ensure consistent programming. On May 27, supporters held a rally in front of the youth center, urging community members to #BackTheMac.