To mark these two decades of existence, the Youth department, together with the coordination team and monitors of the center, has organized a program full of events. The celebration will feature the participation of professional artists who, in their early days, were users of the center, where they rehearsed, developed their first projects, and found a space to cultivate their talent.
Among the artists returning to honor the place that boosted their artistic growth are a contemporary dance choreographer and dancer, a film director and screenwriter, a renowned break dance and urban dance styles dancer, and a singer and music producer. Their national and international success demonstrates the center's ability to foster talent.
“"All of them recognized and even awarded nationally and internationally, which indicates that ESMR has been a true factory of artists."
This cultural facility was inaugurated on April 19, 2006. Interestingly, the process to officially name it was lengthy. Initially known as «Cerro de Vacas» due to its geographical location, in 2007, the name of a prominent Nicaraguan poet and novelist was proposed. However, municipal regulations prevented its adoption, and it was not until 2009 that a Municipal Plenary ratified the name El Sitio de mi Recreo, in homage to the famous song by a renowned Madrid singer and composer. Popularly, the neighborhood renamed it «el oxidao» due to the corten steel, the building's construction material.
Since its inception, El Sitio de mi Recreo has been a pioneer both in its architectural design, which made it a benchmark for Madrid Architecture Week, and in its programming. Its focus on youth artistic creation and production has paved the way for other projects, offering free rehearsal spaces, musical equipment, stage and auditorium use with technical support, and an exhibition hall for plastic and photographic works, in addition to workshops and masterclasses, all free of charge.
The center's main objective has always been to provide programming designed by and for young people, an innovative vision in municipal cultural management. Currently, under the new name of COAJ (Youth Leisure and Advisory Centers), the space not only offers leisure but also career guidance, curricular training, legal advice, and European volunteering opportunities. Furthermore, in response to new post-pandemic demands, it has incorporated coaching and psychological support services, as well as projects to combat unwanted loneliness.
