With all preparations nearly complete, the Malden Teen Enrichment Center will finally open it's doors next week.

The opening ceremony is scheduled for 2:30 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 12  at the Center's 1 Salem St. location. 

The facility, first announced as a major initiative by then newly-elected Mayor Gary Christenson last February, will provide local teens with a variety of after-school programs across the street from Malden High.  

The center includes classroom space, meeting rooms, access to gym space and a safe space for teenagers to congregate after school.

While just under $125,000 is slotted for the center in the 2013 budgetincluding $45,000 in annual rent, salaries for one full-time and two part-time employees and other operational expenses - organizers will be responsible for raising private funds as well. 

So far, volunteers have been successful: most recently, the center received a $5,000 donation from residents Lester and Peggy Morovitz.

Are you a student that will use this facility, or a parent with kids in the school? What do you think of Malden's new Teen Enrichment Center?