A Million Ways to Have Fun
Celebrating 20 Years
Words by Jessi Devenyns Photos by Shelby Bella
What began as a science experiment in the backyard of an East Austin home has transformed into a well-funded force to change the world.
After the death of 16-year-old Tamika Ross in 1992 sent shockwaves through East Austin, community leaders and activists funneled their energies into exploring ways to reduce youth violence in the community. The result was the Millennium Youth Entertainment Complex (MYEC): 55,000 square feet of indoor activities open and available to the community for only a few dollars. “We’re a place that’s more than a building to come have fun,” shares Vanessa McQueen Silas, General Manager of MYEC facilities. “It’s a safe house, but it’s also a home to feel comfortable [and] have fun.”
Vanessa, who has been managing the space since 2000, paints a picture of how the complex has evolved in its 20 years. What was previously a safe haven for neighborhood children who were left to their own devices after school has become a city-wide event space where the likes of Tito Beveridge and Andy Roddick host their annual fun day events. Families, of course, still come too, and Vanessa says she often sees parents tapping away on their laptops while the kids “do what they do.”
Although Vanessa explains that the facility was built with the objective of providing a safe entertainment space for their 2-mile radius, “We ended up serving the entire Austin family community, which I think is the overall goal of a building that a city funds.” The City of Austin is a primary partner in this venture to provide wholesome entertainment and helps fund MYEC at 60%. The other portion, Vanessa says, must be “generated by the complex itself.”
With bowling lanes for 96 people, a movie theater, a skating rink that doubles as an NCAA-sanctioned basketball court, and a video arcade with virtual reality games, there is more to this East Austin building than meets the eye. Although they are only open 4 days a week, Vanessa explains that special events are happening all week long. From community events with first responders to Project Graduation, MYEC has developed into a hub for the community. Esther’s Follies has hosted performances in their theater. Musicians have given concerts. Teenagers have participated in catfish wrangling. Sumo wrestling exhibitions have also used the facility. According to Vanessa, activities at MYEC run the gamut. “We’ve had two birthday parties for people who are over 100. One was 103; the other was 105!” exclaims Vanessa.
From its beginnings as an effort to reduce violence on East Austin streets through providing a safe haven for teenagers, MYEC has transformed into a bastion of family-friendly, affordable recreation in the city. “In the beginning of Millennium, this place was a location for children.” Now Vanessa says, “It’s seniors, it’s little children, it’s teenagers, it’s families.”
Community
Millennium Youth Entertainment Complex is open Wednesday through Saturday in an effort to fulfill the complex’s mission of providing “a safe, secure, and comfortable environment (free from drugs, gangs, crime, and violence) where families can enjoy a wide range of affordable, high quality recreational and entertainment activities and attractions.”
Contact:
(512) 472-6932
1156 Hargrave St.
myec.net
