The annex will be built in the Southwest corner of the building adjacent to the gymnasium and will feature two classrooms, media rooms, administrative offices and restrooms, and will face an outdoor breezeway.  Total project cost is expected to be $1 million, funded by grants from the National Football League (NFL) Charities and from Safe Neighborhood Parks interest funds.

"With this $1 million-addition to the NFL YET building, we will be able to give our kids many more positive things to say 'YES' to," said H.T. Smith, Chairman of the Board of the Gwen Cherry Park Foundation, Inc.

NFL Youth Education Town currently provides academic and recreational programs to Miami-Dade County youth.  Communities In Schools of Miami, Inc. provides academic programming including homework assistance, computer labs equipped with educational programs, social skills, visual and performing arts, and literacy programs.  Miami-Dade Park and Recreation and the Boys and Girls Clubs provide recreational and athletic programming including football, cheerleading, basketball, swimming, tennis, and fencing, to name just a few.

About Gwen Cherry Park Foundation:
The Gwen Cherry Park Foundation was established in 1996 as a fund-raising arm for the NFL Youth Education Town (YET) at Gwen Cherry Park. The Foundation is a tax-exempt organization that solicits monetary as well as in kind partners to sustain the NFL YET's programs; while ensuring the validity and perpetuity of the centers programs and services available to youth we serve. Through careful monitoring of competent staff and community resources, the Gwen Cherry Park Foundation, Inc. is able to ensure the center's vitality, accountability and success.

About Miami-Dade Park and Recreation:
The third largest county park system in the United States, consisting of 263 parks and more than 12,848 acres of land, Miami-Dade Parks is one of the most unique park and recreation systems in the world.  Made up of more than just playgrounds and athletic fields, it also comprises after-school, sports-development, and summer-camp programs; programs for seniors and people with disabilities; educational nature centers and nature preserves; environmental restoration efforts; arts and culture programs and events; the renowned Miami MetroZoo and the Deering Estate at Cutler; the Crandon Tennis Center, home of the Sony Ericsson Open-the USTA's fifth largest tennis tournament; golf courses; beaches; marinas; campgrounds; pools; and more.