When Southeast Mesa’s long-term master plans were drafted in the mid-2000s, families were sold on a vibrant, self-sustaining community: walkable urban town centers, expansive public greenways, and integrated recreational infrastructure built to support an active lifestyle. Instead, the economic blueprint shifted. Thousands of high-density residential rooftops were rapidly approved alongside sprawling hyperscale data centers and industrial logistics corridors—while the promised community centers, athletic facilities, and youth spaces were quietly left behind.

Today, Southeast Mesa is no longer a quant rural outpost; it is a dense suburban population hub facing a severe youth infrastructure deficit. The open desert has been replaced by private industrial boundaries and automated security, leaving local sports teams fighting for scarce gym time and thousands of adolescents with nowhere to go. Decades of civic data prove that the peak hours for youth crime, substance use, and disengagement occur between 3:00 PM and 6:00 PM on school days when parents are working and constructive outlets are absent.

I have seen the ugly-side of unsupervised boredom and know the devastation it causes. It happens fast and will hijack an entire generation before anyone even knows it’s here. Our community cannot afford to treat youth development as an afterthought. The Gilbert Goons and E-bike chaos were a glimpse of what’s to come if we don’t make changes now. Keeping our neighborhoods safe, connected, and thriving requires investing in the physical spaces where kids can build discipline, character, and belonging.

The Spot is that space. We will provide the missing foundation our families were promised. The morning hours will cater toward our senior community and homeschool families by providing health and wellness groups, community fitness and micro-school classes led by certified teachers, from 2pm – 6 pm we will operate as a trusted 3rd space with intermural sports teams and a homework hangout and from 6pm – 11pm we will hold practice for youth sports.

The Spot vows to be a premier community clubhouse where youth are mentored, challenged, and kept moving in the right direction. But we can’t do it without you. You can help by donating direct to: the project smile fund or by shopping our fundraiser. Proceeds go to support our clubhouse initiative.