The City of Norman and the Center for Children and Families, Inc. are creating the Boys & Girls Club of Norman at Reaves, a space for young people to study, learn life skills, and relax in their free time. The project will be located at Reaves Park, where a dedicated building will include amenities like a study area, counseling services, and a teaching kitchen named Zena's Kitchen, in honor of the late Zena Amer, according to the City of Norman.
The partnership took shape from a mutual interest to enhance teen-focused programs in the city. "The idea emerged from a recognized need for more teen programming within the City of Norman, aimed at providing a positive outlet for teens in the community," Mitchell Richardson, recreation manager for the City of Norman, told the Norman News that the facility is set to open for Summer 2025. It will be available to youth aged 11 to 18, providing resources for both leisure and academics. The building will be leased for just $1 a year and needs about $30,000 in renovations, with funding expected from the city, grants, and the Center for Children and Families, Inc. fundraising efforts, as stated by the City of Norman.
Zena's Kitchen is named after a local educator and philanthropist who spent over 33 years teaching in the area. "Zena was an incredible woman," said CCFI CEO Melissa Klink, noting that this tribute is meaningful. The Boys & Girls Club of Norman at Reaves will also include spaces for relaxation, focused study, and counseling. City of Norman officials have approved the construction of Zena's Kitchen, but further approvals for renovations and operations are still needed. Updates on the project will be available at Normanok.gov. Klink emphasized the importance of such spaces, stating, “We try to do creative things, but also help kids with their homework and keep them on track to graduate.”
