Teen Centers

Now open at all four community centers! Middle and high school students are welcome at all locations. Drop-in on weekdays after school, no registration required.

General Expectations

1. Respect: Treat yourself, your peers, staff, volunteers, and the facility with respect at all times.
2. Safety: Physical violence, intimidation, bullying, harassment, or any other form of threatening behavior is strictly prohibited.
3. Appropriate Language and Behavior:
   1. No lewd, profane, or discriminatory language, racial remarks, or verbal abuse.
   2. No inappropriate conversations, public displays of affection, or sexual acts.
4. Property Protection: Destruction, damage, or theft of property is unacceptable.
5. Substance Prohibition: The possession, distribution, or consumption of alcohol, illegal drugs, tobacco, or other controlled substances is prohibited. Smoking is not allowed in any Parks Tacoma parks or facilities.
6. Appropriate Attire: Wear appropriate and non-offensive clothing. Shoes and shirts are required in the building at all times, and specific footwear is required for gym use (e.g., no non-tennis or basketball shoes).
7. Weapons: Weapons of any kind are strictly prohibited. Possession of a weapon will result in immediate dismissal, and potential banning from the facility.
8. Personal belongings: Including carts, should not be brought into the center, Senior Hub, or Teen Center.
9. Personal Care: Wound care, bathing, and the handling of toiletries or prescriptions should not be done in the Center. These activities can create safety risks and are not appropriate in public spaces.

Facility and Program Guidelines

1. Access: Enter only public areas of the facility unless given permission by staff. Unauthorized access to restricted areas (e.g., staff counters or offices) is not permitted.
2. Disruptions: Do not interfere with the operation of classes, programs, services, or the activities of other participants.
3. Hygiene: Maintain good personal hygiene to ensure a comfortable environment for others.
4. Resting/Sleeping: Sleeping is not allowed during activities, programs, or in the building.
5. Food and Beverages: Consume food only in designated areas (e.g., the teen center) and clean up after yourself.
6. Music and Audio: Music or other audio that contains inappropriate language or disturbs others is not allowed. Use headphones to listen privately.
7. Electronics and Conversations: Refrain from engaging in inappropriate conversations or using electronics in a manner that disrupts others.

Special Youth Guidelines

1. Students are not permitted in the center during regular school hours unless they are homeschooled, enrolled in online school, or there is an immediate safety concern.

Accountability and Consequences

1. Parks Tacoma is committed to addressing violations of this Code of Conduct in a fair and consistent manner. Staff may escalate consequences based on the severity of the behavior.