Southfield’s youth fieldZone reopens

SOUTHFIELD — The ‘field Zone has reopened its doors and is ready to help inspire kids in the Southfield area.

Donny Wilson, Southfield club director, said the ‘field Zone closed in March 2020 due to the pandemic and recently reopened its doors, on Sept. 6.

At first, enrollment was slow, with about only 30 kids participating per day compared to pre-pandemic levels of around 80 to 120 kids a day. Enrollment costs $50 for an entire year.

“But we doubled that (enrollment), and it’s only been a few months,” Wilson said. “Back before COVID we usually had to shut off enrollment the first week of school. So, hopefully, it don’t fill up too quick, because we want to be able to serve the entire community. But it’s really good to see people really getting involved again.”

The ‘field Zone offers activities as well as homework help to students in sixth through 12th grade. There are amenities such as a recording studio and places to play sports.

Recently they’ve opened a program called Degrees of Opportunity, “where after they graduate we stick with them and try to make sure they get through those first years of college as well,” Wilson said.

The most important part, Wilson said, is the social aspect for the kids.

“What’s really important is them getting a chance to really socialize, especially after being kind of trapped inside during the pandemic,” Wilson said. “We really give them a chance to really grow and learn together with each other.”

Wilson said there is no place like the ‘field Zone.

“There are a lot of youth organizations throughout the state and the country and everything, but ‘field Zone, which is part of Metro Detroit Youth Clubs, is unique in that it gives members a place to go, a place to grow and learn, and we take in their ideas,” Wilson said.

The city of Southfield has been extremely supportive of the ‘field Zone and has even invited them to events such as the Boo Bash and Senior Citizens Day, Wilson said.

Mayor Kenson Siver in an email said he was glad to see the ‘field Zone back in operation.

“The ‘field Zone is a great place for teenagers to be after school,” Siver said.

Wilson said the ‘field Zone is a safe place for the kids and everyone gets involved, including the parents and the city.

“That’s one of the really cool things I see is parents really getting engaged, the city really getting engaged,” Wilson said.

The ‘field Zone operates out of the Southfield Center on Evergreen Road. For more information, you can call 888-642-5827.