The Hub: A New Kind of Third Place for Space Coast Youth
Melbourne, FL — Remember growing up and going to the YMCA? Parents would drop their kids off for the day because they knew it was a safe place to find community and belonging.
That same vision is alive and well in The Hub, a new effort to create a similar-style third place for youth and young adults to hang out and thrive. The difference is, instead of working out at a gym or playing basketball at the Y, The Hub focuses on wheels and action sports.
This is the dream God gave Matthew Svajda, founder and director of The Hub. "It's time we take a stand for the kids growing up in today's culture,” Svajda said. “We didn't face the same types of pressure growing up that kids do today through social media and other mediums. The Hub is our response to guide the next generation into strong values and character.”
The mission of The Hub is to roll out community and leaders who change the world for the glory of God. What does that look like? A strong emphasis on leadership, character development, discipleship—and a lot of fun on wheels and ramps.
Currently, The Hub has a mobile-style trailer full of ramps, skateboards, scooters, and electric drifter carts. Churches and businesses can host unique community events by bringing all the fun—and a mobile skatepark—right to their parking lots.
Most recently, The Hub has opened a permanent location in downtown Eau Gallie, which includes a half-pipe, community hangout space, and land set aside for a future pump track and community center.
“The Space Coast is known for its rich history in action sports, including surfing, skating, and mountain biking. The Hub, then, is a bridge between action sports and the local church," Svajda said.
— If you're interested in learning more or taking a vision tour of The Hub, you can schedule a visit at ridethehub.org/schedule-a-tour.
