The
Boys & Girls Clubs of the Great Lakes Bay Region got a brand-new look and a little more room, just in time for the new school year.
The club, based at 300 W. Lafayette Ave. on the Middlegrounds Island, closed from Aug. 14 to Sept. 16 so the facility could undergo nearly a half million dollars in work on the interior.
During the month, contractors from Spence Brothers and Clements Electric installed new flooring, ceilings, and lights. Before the club closed, crews put a fresh coat of paint on the walls.
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Photo courtesy of the Boys & Girls Clubs Great Lakes Bay RegionExecutive Director Lynn Pavlawk, at left, works with Office Manager Julie Garcia to clear the club before renovation work began in August. The Bay City branch of the club was closed about a month for the work.The work brightened up the entire facility, making it possible to use existing rooms in new ways, says Brandon Kathman, Director of Communications for the Clubs.
Before, events and programs were held in a small portion of the club, where the lighting was better. Today, bright lights make the entire space inviting, meaning everyone can spread out more.
It all started with visitors. Kathman says when former members would visit, they would all comment nothing had changed in 40 or more years.
“Timothy Beson, the State Rep, was a youth member here. He was instrumental in securing the funding in part because he walked through the door a few years ago and was taken aback at how nothing had changed,” Kathman says.
Several local foundations donated to the project too, but State Rep. Timothy Benson was instrumental in securing state funding for the work.
Beson fondly recalls spending time at the facility as a child.
“I actually used to ride my bike there with another friend,” he says. “We would pay a quarter to drop in. It was a great opportunity.”
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Graphic courtesy of the Boys & Girls Clubs Great Lakes Bay RegionThe newly-refurbished club still creates opportunities for kids between 6 and 18 years old.
The club provides educational (but fun) events, summer programs, hot meals, homework help, and more to kids
In the newly-renovated space, kids can use bumper pool and foosball tables. In another room, cafeteria-style tables are stacked against the walls, ready to be deployed in whatever formation works.
“It’s a tremendously versatile space,” Kathman says.
Last summer, more than 130 kids took advantage of that opportunity and registered to enjoy the season at the building. During the school year, Kathman expects that number to double.
Those kids will have fun in a positive environment while learning life skills through hands-on experiences.
“We promote nutritional literacy outside in our edible education garden,” CEO Lynn Pavlawk says. “We foster creativity in our art room and physical fitness on the basketball court. We’ll tackle even the most difficult math problems during our ‘Power Hour’ homework help sessions.”
The facility offers after-school and summer care for local youths, complete with hot meals, charging only $50 per child for the year.
Located on Lafayette Avenue, the Club has served young people in the Bay City area for 67 years. The recently-completed work is only the first phase. Kathman says additional improvements will create room for new programs.
“We’re excited to introduce a new and improved computer lab in the next few months,” Pavlawk adds. “Thanks to our friends at Hemlock Semiconductor, this will also us to offer digital literacy programs and even an esports league. An educational
In addition to the Bay City site, the Great Lakes Bay Regional Club also has the following locations:
- Verellen Elementary School at 612 W. Barton Ave. in Essexville
- 201 North St. in Pinconning
- Stone Elementary School at 1006 State St. in Saginaw
- Saginaw KidsCampus and TeenCampus at 1781 Fordney St. in Saginaw
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