By Aimee Brandon Posted October 7, 2015
According to Lowry Principal Ray Parks, a lot of progress has been made on the new Boys and Girls Club of Winnemucca/ Ralph V. Whitworth Recreational Complex. In the last few years, much work has been put into getting the land, plans, and money together to make this possible. This state-of-the-art facility will be an asset to the Winnemucca community and greatly benefit children and teens.
“We have worked very hard to secure over $8 million for the construction of a fantastic approximately 35,000 square foot- two-story facility which will officially break ground on November 2, 2015, with an anticipated opening date of August or September 2016. We are now trying to raise funding for the continuous staffing and programing of the facility which will have a full STEM Center, an Art Center, a Multi-Purpose Room with a commercial kitchen, and a “Black Box” Theater accompanied by dressing rooms and staging areas. In addition, the facility will have a full-size gymnasium, an upstairs work out room complete with the most modern and effective cardiovascular workout equipment, free-weights, a suspended running track, aerobic dance class rooms, a small nursery for children to use while their parents are working out-along with much more,” said Chairman of the Board of the Boys and Girls Club of Winnemucca, Ray Parks via email.
He added, “In addition, we are very excited to announce that we will also be constructing an Outdoor Amphitheater much like the one located on the Truckee River in Downtown Reno. I am also very excited about the partnership between the Boys and Girls Club of Winnemucca and Albert M. Lowry High School. Through funding provided by the Boys and Girls Club of Winnemucca in conjunction with the City of Winnemucca and the Humboldt County School District, we will be remodeling the Lowry High School Auditorium to include a new heating and air-conditioning system, acoustic walls, lighting upgrades, stage upgrade and new carpeting throughout the auditorium.”
Drama and Stagecraft teacher Corrine James is appreciative of the new changes coming her way. The program has been growing tremendously and winning more and more support from the community.
Board member and Lowry teacher, Austin Mayo thinks the club will add new opportunities for children in the community.
“What we are trying to accomplish here, really is a great opportunity for the City of Winnemucca. The Boys & Girls club will provide the children of this community a place to go and hang out and participate in things they might not otherwise have the chance too,” said Mayo. He continued, “Since I can remember there has been a want for something like this in this town, and now thanks to the hard work of the Board members and the support of the people of the community, there is no doubt in my mind that this will be a reality. I don’t think it will take long for people to see the benefits and payoff of this project once it is fully completed.”
Students and the community can look forward to benefitting from the recreational facility starting next summer, you can follow the progress and read more about it at bgcwin.com.
“The mission of the Boys & Girls Club of Winnemucca is to enable all young people, especially those who need us most, to reach their full potential as productive, caring, responsible citizens. To achieve this mission, the Boys & Girls Club offers youth, ages 6-18, a safe place to learn and grow, ongoing relationships with caring adult professionals, life-enhancing programs, and character development experiences. The Boys & Girls Club of Winnemucca will be open for both before and after school programs, as well as all day during school breaks, to accommodate parents’ varied schedules. While at the Club, young people will participate in a wide range of programs and activities that will support academics, encourage healthy lifestyles, and build character and citizenship,” said bgcwin.org.
“We are all very happy with the quick progress and look forward to our grand opening next summer,” said Parks.
