A Coon Rapids teen center whose future was in jeopardy when funding dried up will stay open in 2014 with the help of a private donor.

Anoka County businessman Frank Mannella of Cedar Valley Exteriors gave $7,500 to help keep "The Element" open through the end of next year.

The center at Riverwind Park, 11747 Crocus St., opened in 2002 and offers a supervised place for students to socialize, play games, watch movies and participate in community events. It's a collaboration among the city, Anoka-Hennepin Community Education and Anoka County.

The center's future became uncertain when the group that oversaw it, Coon Rapids Youth First, dissolved because of declining membership. The city and Anoka-Hennepin Community Education are seeking funding for the center past 2014.

The Element is open Tuesday and Thursday afternoons and Friday evenings. About two dozen teens regularly frequent the center.

Shannon Prather

Twitter: @Stribshannon