by Mike Sharkey
Staff Writer
It was only fitting that Wayne Weaver helped host Wednesday’s ground breaking ceremony for the National Football League’s Youth Education Town.
After all, the Jacksonville Jaguars owner spent plenty of time in the local Boys & Girls Club as a child growing up in Columbus, Ga., and he was instrumental in securing the 2005 Super Bowl for Jacksonville.
“I am a product of the Boys Clubs,” said Weaver. “I can tell you, you learn life skills at the Boys Clubs.”
Weaver and several other business leaders played major roles in finding funding for the Brentwood Park facility. As thanks for hosting the Super Bowl, the NFL donated $1 million for the new Youth Education Town (YET). The facility usually costs $2 million, but Wayne Weaver’s wife and co-owner, Delores, wanted something a little bigger and better.
“Delores said we have to raise the bar. We have to raise $2 million,” said Weaver, who tossed a shovel full of dirt for the $3 million facility that will serve the Brentwood and Springfield areas.
When complete, the two-acre YET will house facilities offering area children tutoring, mentoring, career training, computer education and access to sports programs. The NFL-backed YET program is 14 years old and there are YETs in 10 other cities across the country. They are designed to help at-risk children by providing educational assistance after school, job training, technical instruction, life-skills development and recreational outlets.
City Council President Michael Corrigan and Council members Pat Lockett-Felder, Suzanne Jenkins and Ronnie Ferguson — as well as several other City officials, community and business leaders — were also on hand.
The YET is in Lockett-Felder’s district and is adjacent to the Jacksonville Housing Authority’s $20 million Brentwood Lakes housing development.
“I am excited about the new area,” said Lockett-Felder, who grew up in the neighborhood. She said she can appreciate the new housing and YET, which will be done late this year. “Let’s keep moving forward. This is just a step.”
Corrigan said the Council cares about the Brentwood neighborhood and Wednesday’s event is another example of his desire to ensure certain projects and initiatives are completed during his tenure.
“The City Council is definitely involved in this. We believe in this,” said Corrigan. “This particular building will make the greatest difference. Future leaders of this city will come from this community and this YET.”