"It's pretty hectic," staff member Aaron Lindley said. "There are kids here every day."

The 7-month-old facility, dubbed The Down Under, narrowly avoided the city's budget cuts in June, allowing it to continue its daily operations without cutting programs. This is the first summer the teen center has operated, and by all accounts it has been a huge success with Cupertino youth.

"The kids love it," said teen center director Kim Frey. "It's constantly busy."

"There's lot's of stuff to do," said Jason Helgerson, 15, a daily visitor who has been coming to the center for the past three months. "It's better than hanging around my house all day."

About 274 teenagers ranging from grades eight through 12 have registered since the center's January opening, and the center has seen "a huge increase over the summer" in attendance, said Frey. The center has extended its hours for the season from noon to 10 p.m. every day except Sunday, when it's closed. The bulk of summer visitors are regulars.

"There are kids who come every day, for four, five, six hours a day," said Frey.

There's no shortage of activities for the center's guests. A typical afternoon will find a crowd of anywhere from 30 to 70 teens. Some lounge on the couch, watching a movie on the center's widescreen TV, while others sit on beanbag chairs and go head-to-head on the PlayStation. One afternoon, a group of three teens challenge each other in a game of pool, but another day may find a foosball match or card game in process. The center also hosts special events, like a karaoke sing off and a Dance Dance Revolution tournament. Saturdays are dedicated to sports, including basketball and tennis.

When asked to name the most popular offering, Lindley laughs.

"Everything. Everything's always being used."

The hub of the center's activity is the computer station, where teens can surf the web, play games—including new additions Starcraft and Warcraft—or just chat with friends.

Emma Mulhair, a bubbly 14-year-old, has been coming to the center since it opened. She says everything in the place is her favorite.

Emma first heard about the center through mailings sent out by the Cupertino Parks and Recreation Service. She and her friends thought it sounded interesting, so they went to the opening. "We thought it was so much fun." Sometimes she comes to the center with friends; other times she comes solo.

"I've made a lot of friends here," Emma said. "I like that you get to meet a whole bunch of people."

That is part of the teen center's goal, said Lindley.

"It's an awesome resource. It gives them the opportunity to meet kids from other schools in the area," he said.

The teen center also aims to give youth a safe environment where "they can pretty much do what they want," said Lindley. "They have fun. There are no limitations on them. They can be kids."

Part of the center's appeal is the friendly atmosphere it fosters. Staff members joke with the youngsters, and "everybody gets along with everybody," said Josh Erwin, 15, who has been coming to the center since it opened.

"It's fun," added Jason. "I come about every day. I get to hang out with my friends."

As for the rest of the summer, the center will continue to evolve its offerings. The center surveys teens to see what activities interest them. "We're constantly trying new things," said Frey.

The teen center is located inside the Cupertino Sports Complex at 21111 Stevens Creek Blvd For more information, call 408.777.1335.