We’re excited to share that the College Park Youth & Family Services (YFS) building on Nantucket Road will soon undergo a major outdoor renovation to better serve our community’s youth and families. Thanks to a $250,000 state bond bill awarded to the City for Fiscal Year 2026, this project will focus on “the acquisition, planning, design, construction, repair, renovation, reconstruction, site improvement, and capital equipping” of the YFS facilities — with a major focus on exterior improvements.
Each year, hundreds of youth and families rely on the YFS building for mental health counseling, support groups, and wellness programs. However, the outdoor space has remained underused and in need of repair. In response, the City partnered with Nature Sacred — a nonprofit that helps communities create green spaces called Sacred Places — to reimagine the YFS grounds into a vibrant, healing outdoor environment.
Through collaborative design sessions with community members, staff, and clients, the resulting plan features a thoughtfully designed “Sacred Place” that includes:
A nature-inspired playground Flexible lawn space Raised planters and improved planting buffers Benches and shaded seating areas Public art features A visual connection to the adjacent Hollywood Streetscape
The vision is to create a joyful and restorative outdoor space — a sanctuary where youth and families can reflect, play, and connect. The City is deeply grateful to Nature Sacred, whose design planning and services have been provided at no cost so far.
The total cost of the project is estimated at $300,000. If costs exceed the state bond contribution, the City and Nature Sacred may provide additional funding. City staff will present design plans in early FY26, with construction expected to be completed by November 2026 — about a year after funding is disbursed.
This project reaffirms our commitment to improving mental wellness and creating spaces that unify and uplift our community. Stay tuned for updates as we bring this vision to life.
