Rendering of the planned District 3 Youth Center in Brentwood. Source: CCCounty
A Space to Call Their Own: Investing in the Future of Our Youth Ages 12-18 in Brentwood, Oakley, Antioch, Bethel Island, Knightsen, Byron and Discovery Bay
For Creative Expression, Community & Connection, Holistic Wellness
By Diane Burgis, District 3 Supervisor, Contra Costa County
Across all neighborhoods in District 3, our youth have needed a space built specifically around their lived experiences, creative interests, and physical and mental health needs.
The project behind this long-held vision is officially underway with the support of Measure X funding. At the corner of Lone Tree Way and Windy Springs Lane in Brentwood, Contra Costa County is developing the District 3 Youth Center on a 4.68-acre County-owned parcel planned to also hold Fire Station 90.
This planned single-story, 15,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art flagship campus designed entirely for local youth ages 12 to 18 who live in the cities of Antioch, Brentwood and Oakley, and the unincorporated areas of Bethel Island, Byron, Discovery Bay and Knightsen and is scheduled to open in 2029. More than a standard municipal facility, the center’s preliminary blueprint reflects a home-like, collaborative atmosphere:
- Creative Expression: Architectural plans feature a full music and media recording studio, instructional classrooms, and quiet study nooks designed for academic support and creative exploration.
- Community & Connection: A central living room and lobby welcome visitors, anchored by multipurpose activity rooms, a community teaching kitchen, and open outdoor recreation areas.
- Holistic Wellness: Recognizing the unique pressures facing teens today, the facility includes dedicated wellness zones and private consultation rooms for youth therapy, mental health guidance, and peer support.
Quick Facts
- Estimated Construction Budget: $23,000,000
- Anticipated Construction Start: Winter 2027
- Estimated Project Completion: Summer 2029
As the Youth Center and Fire Station 90 are planned to be constructed by the same Design-Build team on the same parcel, the planning approval process of the Fire Station will ultimately affect the construction time for the Youth Center. It is currently on track for an opening in late Summer 2029.
Second of Three Youth Centers
The District 3 Youth Center is the second of three Youth Centers planned in the County. The District 4 Youth Center opened in 2025 at 2241 Galaxy Court in Concord. The District 5 Youth Center will be located in a new building to be constructed on the County-owned Los Medanos (former hospital) site in Pittsburg, which is currently home to a County-operated health clinic off Loveridge Road.
New Project Dashboard
The County has launched a new project dashboard where you can bring yourself up to speed on all of the current happenings at the site.
Follow the dashboard and messaging for exciting project updates and news for the District 3 Youth Center: www.contracosta.ca.gov/10697/District-3-Youth-Center.
Programming for the District 3 Youth Center falls under the Employment and Human Services Department, Workforce Development Board. More information on the Youth Centers Initiative and interim services is available at their website: Youth Centers Initiative | Workforce Development Board of Contra Costa County
Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.
Leave a Reply