North Tempe Multigenerational Center

I live in a special area of Tempe called North Tempe. The reason we are different is that we are physically separated from the rest of Tempe by the Salt River now known as Tempe Town Lake.

This weekend, our mayor Hugh Hallman dedicated the new North Tempe Multigenerational Center. I had the privilege of attending this event.

In the past, I have referred to North Tempe as "the forgotten zone" because of the physical separation, we have always been on the short end when it came to community improvements. Many people mistake us for living in Scottsdale.

10 years ago, I complained about not enough transit up in this area and working with my friends Carlos De Leon (who is now the Director of Public Works in Tempe) and Mary O'Connor (who is now the Transportation Manager for the City of Scottsdale), we were able to get Line 76 extended into Tempe as well as getting Line 66 brought over the hill and terminated at the former Los Arcos Mall.

This new community center is larger than life and sometimes makes you wonder why North Tempe received such a beautiful facility. A big amount of the credit should go to the North Tempe Neighborhood Association (we apologize that the website appears to be outdated), who worked hand in hand with the City and the School District to get this facility built.

Some of the features of this facility include things for the kids including a Headstart preschool that our little Bear loved seeing (actually, when it was time to go, he broke out of my hand and made a beeline back for the classroom). Well he's got another 2 years or so before he is ready for it. There is an extension of the library with computers and a printer that is much cheaper than going to Kinkos. There are many community rooms, ASU health clinic, and offices for groups such as the local Boys and Girls Clubs, Chicanos Por La Causa, Tempe Family YMCA and the NTNA. There is also full Senior Center with a really nice HD TV, computers and bingo.

I want to personally thank the City of Tempe for not forgetting us on the north-bank of their beloved Town Lake. Now if they can just get the water levels down on the other side of the rubber dams.