City expands investment in the success of youth

Looking Forward

CITY EXPANDS INVESTMENT IN THE SUCCESS OF YOUTH

by Arnold Hendrix Renederings courtesy of Danville Public Schools

Every career starts with a first job. Last summer, 52 youths took part in a pilot work-based learning program that provided opportunities to gain work experiences, add skills, and explore potential career interests.

This summer, the program will be expanded by nearly six-fold.

“Every member of the City Council at some point has talked about providing a meaningful work experience for our young people,” Mayor Alonzo Jones said during a February 15 meeting of the City Council. “This year’s summer program will build on the success of last year.”

The City Council voted that evening to contribute nearly $300,000 to expand the program, which is for in-school and out-of-school youth and young adults from ages 14 to 24. Of the 302 youths slated to take part in this summer’s program, 105 will receive a paid internship up to 280 hours. The remaining participants will attend various career awareness and exposure activities, which include a mock interview day and work readiness boot camps.

Called “Danville ExperienceWorks,” the program is a collaborative effort by the Institute for Advanced Learning and Research, Danville Public Schools, Goodwill Industries of the Valleys, Project Imagine, the city’s Human Resources Department, and the West Piedmont Workforce Development Board (Virginia Career Works).

“Each member of the collaborative team brings an important skill set, passion, and bank of resources to the youth career experience,” said Dr. Julie Brown, Director of Advanced Learning at the Institute for Advanced Learning and Research.

PHOTO BY LEE VOGLER

City Manager Ken Larking said the program is just one of the initiatives for youth included in the proposed city budget for the next fiscal year, which begins July 1. The other initiatives include:

• Leveraging partnerships with the public school system to implement a robust youth athletics program. • Expansion of the City’s gang prevention program. • Continued support for the Police Department’s community engagement program.

“For Danville to have the kind of success we desire, we need to invest in the success of our youth,” Larking said.

Besides investing in the success of youth, the city remains focused on education, crime reduction and public safety, and growth. Here are a few highlights:

Education funding

Danville Public Schools will receive an estimated $129 million in bond proceeds for school construction and renovation. Last year, voters approved a referendum to borrow the funds, with a 1 percent local option sales tax to cover the debt service.

Mayor Jones commended Danville citizens for voting for the cause. “You said as citizens, ‘I want learning environments that will help every student achieve,’” Jones said. “You said as citizens, ‘I want students to have 21-Century upgrades.’ You said as citizens, ‘I want students to have greater technology access.’ So as Mayor, we want to say to our citizens, thank you so much for voting ‘yes.’”

Groundbreaking ceremonies recently were held for capital improvement projects at the John M. Langston and George Washington High School campuses.

In an expected $30 million renovation, the Langston campus will be the future home of Galileo Magnet High School, as well as the school system’s central office. The renovated facility will include a STEM and Career Academy for students division-wide and gymnasium and auditorium spaces that will be available for community use. Renovations are expected to start this fall and be completed in 2024.

At GW, an anticipated $80 million dollar campus-wide renovation will begin this fall. Planned renovations include improvements to the Career and Technical Education building to allow for new programs, such as culinary arts, hospitality, and skilled trades, as well as updated spaces

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for existing programs. This building also houses the nearly complete Piedmont Access to Health Services (PATHS) school-based health clinic.

A new, larger performance gym is planned to be accessible by students and the community. Improved spaces for performing and visual arts programs, an updated media center, renovated classrooms, and a hall of fame to honor GW alumni will also be included.

In partnership with the City of Danville and Averett University, work has already begun on a new track and field facility, and it is expected to be complete by September. The track will be NCAA compliant. Averett University will lease the track facility for the creation of intercollegiate track and field programs.

Crime reduction and public safety

Recently, the Police Department announced that since implementing neighborhood-oriented policing, the city has seen over a 50 percent drop in violent crime when comparing a three-year window prior to implementation to now. The Police Department intends to continue its efforts to connect with youth of all ages through dedicated youth engagement officers. Also, community policing will continue through neighborhood walks, coffee with a cop, added presence in schools, among other activities.

A new police headquarters under construction at 2291 Memorial Drive soon will be completed. The project is a combination of construction of a new building and historic restoration of the original Dan River Inc. building. The new building will include a large multi-purpose area for community engagement events. The revamped main building will house the department’s various offices, operational space, and records.

In addition, the City of Danville’s Project Imagine program continues to receive national recognition. The program recently was among 14 youth antiviolence intervention efforts across the nation highlighted by the Urban Institute in its released guide for localities that want to reduce youth gun and gang violence. Danville was the only city with a population of less than 100,000 to be included in the guide, which also features programs in major cities such as New

Economic and community development

Investments in industrial recruitment, retention and expansion through incentives, and workforce development have led to over $1 billion in capital investment and nearly 4,000 new jobs announced in the region since 2018.

Those numbers include the Caesars Virginia casino resort being developed in the city and Tyson Foods’ new facility that is being built just outside the city limits in the Cane Creek Centre industrial park.

Citizens can watch the casino get built. A livestream camera has been installed at the site. To watch, go to danvilleva.gov/casino.

In the River District, $50 million in public spending has resulted in $252 million in private investment. This private investment includes over 1,100 apartments completed or in development, 17 eating/drinking establishments, and multiple retail and entertainment options.

To encourage continued economic development, over $5 million will be allocated by the City of Danville in the next year for various economic projects, including grant programs, already approved incentives, and investments in local sites and buildings.

Also, $1 million is being set aside for neighborhood revitalization efforts.

PHOTO BY LEE VOGLER

A World of Adventure in Danville, Va.

Travel to the foothills of Piedmont Virginia in pursuit of a weekend filled with outdoor adventure, fine dining, and friendly faces in Danville and Pittsylvania County.

At the Anglers Ridge Mountain Bike Trail System, discover one of the longest singletrack routes in the region. Over 35 miles of natural-surface trail weave through forested hills and across creeks with options for riders of all levels. You don’t need a bike to enjoy these award-winning trails. Lace up your shoes for a scenic trail run or outing with your dog.

Follow the Dan River for almost a dozen miles on the Riverwalk Trail. Along the way, connect local parks, overlooks, and boat launches with the Danville Science Center and historic downtown. This paved pathway is accessible for adventurers of all ages and abilities to enjoy this charismatic community.

While you’re in town, the outfitters of Danville are there to make sure you have everything you need for a day on the trails. Swing by The Brick for a large stock of shoes, apparel, equipment, and nutrition items that’ll keep you going through those tough climbs. At Head Up Eyes Forward, shop a wide range of apparel to fit your adventure or to inspire the next one.

Your adventure doesn’t stop with the trails. Reserve a lane at Grizzly’s Hatchet House and try your hand at axe throwing or wander through the exhibits at the AAF Tank Museum. Plus, keep your eyes on the

Sip and play calendar for a schedule at Grizzly’s packed full with festivals,

Hatchet House concerts, and races in the area. These events are the perfect opportunity around which to plan an extended stay. Aprés Trail A wide variety of dining options await the hungry explorer. Whether you need a kick start in the morning or a place to refuel after the day’s activities, you’re sure to find something that matches your cravings. The intimate setting at Links Coffee House Café provides the perfect atmosphere to sip

Explore the Riverwalk (Above)Take in seasonal views

your cup of joe and snack on a pastry. Crema & Vine is a unique offering in the area, combining a coffee shop and wine bar with the tastes from the cafe for an unforgettable experience. Whether you’re on the search for brunch, lunch, or dinner, Golden Leaf Bistro is always an elegant option with live music on Fridays and Saturdays.

Sitting on the patio at Cotton at Riverside Mill, fill up on a menu full of delicious flatbreads, plates, desserts, and spirits as you watch the Dan River flow past. From thai curry and noodle bowls to mouthwatering entrees, you’ll want to try a little bit of everything at Moon River Thai Bistro. Don’t forget about the fresh, seasonal offerings at King Cropp Kitchen or expertly-prepared seafood dishes from the Schoolfield Restaurant.

When you’re ready to settle in for the night, you can’t go wrong with the area’s top lodging destinations. The Bee is a charming boutique hotel, once home to the city’s newspaper, that combines cozy accommodations and modern features in a historic landmark. Experience southern hospitality at its finest when you stay at the Berry Hill Resort, featuring sweeping views of the estate, a swimming pool, five miles of trails, and bike rentals. Just steps from the river, unwind at the Courtyard Danville as you rest up for another day of exploration.

Fill your itinerary with new sights and tastes when you escape to Danville and Pittsylvania County for a relaxing getaway in south-central Virginia. DiscoverDanville.com

PHOTO BY LAURA MAE PHOTOGRAPHY

AROUND TOWN