Before the first bell rings at school and after the final one at the end of the day, Bow students will have a place to go, when the new Bow Youth Center opens.

Owners Donna Morrison and her husband, Tim, have been preparing the building, which is located at 21 Bow Center Road, across from Bow Elementary School.

The program has been in the works for more than two years. The building has been under construction since the winter and will be ready for business on Aug. 27, coinciding with the first day of school.

Before and after school, students can participate in indoor and outdoor activities, including hiking on land surrounding the 8,400-square-foot building.

“I am looking forward to working with them and providing a place for them to come and socialize and participate in activities,” said Donna Morrison.

Morrison has heard from about 80 families in town who are interested in using the program, and said she plans to work closely with the families and children, who will range in age from kindergarten through eighth grade.

“When the child enrolls in the program we send them out an interest survey to see what the interests are of each individual, so that way each child can partake in something that they enjoy,” said Morrison. “The main thing is the flexibility. We’ll offer a lot of that, where even if it is just one afternoon a week, we try to meet the needs of all the families.”

Morrison previously worked in Concord at the Early Enrichment Program, and said she has taken a great deal from her 11 years of service there.

The Bow Youth Center has been designed with the children in mind, according to Morrison, who said there will also be opportunities for students to get extra help on their homework, if needed.

Bow schools have been working closely with the Youth Center, and Morrison said several high school students have shown interested in either volunteering or becoming part-time employees.

Next year, the Bow Youth Center will offer a full-time summer program geared toward working parents.

Morrison said the program will give students new experiences.

“Children get to socialize in school, but this is a different location and activities,” she said. “Maybe those who struggle in school can excel in the before-and after-school programs.”

The center will be open full days if weather cancels school.

For more information on the Bow Youth Center, call Donna or Tom Morrison at 856-7245.