When Doug Baldwin isn’t busy being a wide receiver for the Seahawks, he’s at work giving back to the community, and currently, he’s focusing on Renton.

Baldwin and his charitable foundation have partnered with the city of Renton and Renton School District to help bring about “Family First Center,” a community center in the Cascade/Benson area. The vision of the center is to provide youth and families a “community center that offers health, fitness and recreational opportunities” and resources that will “enhance the stability of the community by helping families achieve goals in education, fitness and overall health.”

The center will not only “meet our urgent needs” but will also fulfill “our promise to our community and provides for the safety, education and character development of the next generation,” Mayor Denis Law said in a press release.

The team is proposing to build the center on the 17,000 square feet of land next to Cascade Elementary School. Law and Superintendent Art Jarvis presented the vision for the community center to the school board on June 22.

“We are absolutely thrilled about this concept of a community center,” said Lynn Desmarais, school board member. “It answers a need that’s been in that part of the community for a very long time. There’s been a need for a redevelopment of services and amenities for kids and families. This will provide a terrific opportunity.”

According to the 2015 demographics, 12.8 percent of the population within the half mile radius of Cascade Elementary School is below the poverty line and earns less than $24,000 per household. Nearly 19 percent of the population is 14 years or younger and 65.5 percent of students from that area are eligible for free or reduced-priced lunches.

The center will be focused on targeting this demographic, by providing affordable child care; fitness and cooking classes; health education and life management; and other recreational activities. Activities for kids include youth sports as well as art, music and technology classes.

The proposed space will include a basketball court, fitness gym, exercise floors, classroom space and storage space.

“Many of us have had the privilege of growing up in areas where recreation centers were essential components to youth and community development,” Jarvis said in a press release. “And because of these advantages, we were able to thrive as children and have realized our dreams as adults. We must invest in children’s future and prepare them for a better tomorrow.”

“I think it’s a great idea for the community,” said Councilmember Carol Ann Witschi at the June 27 council meeting. “It brings the private sector and the public sector together, as well as the school district. It’s a great collaborative effort similar to what we did in the Sunset area with Meadow Crest Playground.”

The Family First team is currently gathering more partners and supporters to make the community center a reality.

“In the end, if we’re able to pull this off, we’d be able to serve hundreds and hundreds of kids and their families in that community,” said Law at the council meeting.

Reach reporter Leah Abraham at 253-678-3148.