Inuvik (July 16/04) - A clean, tear-free felt pool table, donated by Frosty's Arctic Pub, is perhaps symbolic of the plans new co-ordinator Walter Gora has for revamping the ailing youth centre's image.

"We want this to be a place where all the youth feel comfortable visiting and want to continue visiting," he said. "I think the image of the youth centre has been less than stellar and I believe more community involvement is key to changing this attitude."

Though the centre enjoys continued financial support from the Inuvik Lions Club, Gwich'in Tribal Council and Inuvialuit Regional Corporation, Gora hopes that individual community members will step forward and get involved.

"We're hoping that Gwich'in and Inuvialuit members of the community will join the board, as right now they are not represented," he said. "And the reason for (wanting their involvement) is that most of the kids who come here are Gwich'in and Inuvialuit."

Gora, the fourth youth centre co-ordinator in the last year, says he has an open door policy and invites community members to visit the centre to see what changes have already transpired and to hear about what he has in store for the future.

"And, if they can offer their time or skills, that would be great, too."

Guitar lessons

In addition to the computers, pool tables and video games, Gora wants to create a career-development and reading corner at the facility and start a regular weekly guitar clinic for young strummers.

"I want to initiate programs kids will find interesting," he said.

While new summer hours are 6 p.m. to midnight Monday to Saturday, Gora cautions that the centre's operations could be reduced a full day due to lack of interest, and, more importantly, lack of funding.

Nevertheless, he is focused on seeking new money as well as new ideas.

For seven-year-old Bernie Bernhardt, a regular at the youth centre, the new paint on the interior walls and fresh pool table has put the sparkle in his eyes.

"I like the inside," he said. "It's decorated with many colours and my favourite part (about coming here) is playing pool."