Gym has updated equipment
By Loreen Berlin
The Boys & Girls Club of Buena Park (BGCBP) held a grand re-opening of its gymnasium Wednesday, Jan. 24, that has been updated with new equipment, flooring and paint.
The Club, which is now 70 years old, was in need of much refurbishing and needed a way to also prevent flooding, which had been a problem in the past.
“The Gym looks like a million dollars,” said CEO Todd Trout, as he detailed many of the upgrades, which include: All new windows, all new basketball hoops, added insulation in the ceiling, and six new fans at the ceiling level to help with airflow to keep temperatures cool in the summer.
“We have a brand new paint job for the gymnasium and a new scoreboard that was sponsored by the Buena Park Police Association,” said Trout. “The Rock-Climbing Wall has been expanded with double the amount of safety-padding, plus an inch; we tore out all of the old padding and added state-of-the-art padding.”
Trout said outside of the new gymnasium’s safety security doors, they broke up the concrete flooring to add drainage that will prevent flooding and/or water damage that had happened in the past.
“Having the gymnasium updated is a wonderful opportunity; we’re going to be offering Skill Clinics, a Summer Basketball Camp, and a Fall Basketball League, which are all in partnership with the Buena Park Police Department,” he said.
“Rock and Brews Bar and Grill is a big supporter and sponsor of the gymnasium,” Trout continued. “We are very excited to offer the community a low-cost basketball program.”
Trout said the Summer Skills Camps and Leagues are offered throughout the year for youth and teens in grades one through eight and the Club also offers programs in leadership, fine arts, education, and fitness.
Trout said earlier that he hopes the improvements will expand community involvement with the club by providing safe after-school and summer structured programs where youth and teens can grow to be productive and caring citizens.
Trout said in order to complete the renovation, the Club partnered with the North Orange County Safety Task Force (NOCSTF), an organization in which the Buena Park Police Department participates. Additionally, other local businesses and organizations that assisted with the project include Rock & Brews Bar and Grill, Mike Ells General Contractor, the Buena Park Police Association, BGCBP Board of Directors, and State Senator Josh Newman.
The celebration began with a ribbon-cutting ceremony and comments and presentations by State Assemblywoman Sharon Quirk-Silva and State Senator Newman, along with comments by CEO Trout.
Police Chief Corey Sianez who has served on the Club’s board of directors for eight years gave a quote, “In order to predict the future you have to create it,” going on to say that it’s about partnerships with businesses and community members.
“It’s our responsibility to provide a place for you young people to go,” he continued, speaking to the boys and girls in attendance. “Boys & Girls Clubs make a difference in people’s lives and these are our future leaders.”
Sianez said the Club had been falling apart.
“We put some money into the Club and you should be proud of it and you are very lucky and should thank your parents for letting you come here,” he said.
State Senator Newman was able to secure a large grant to help with the gymnasium renovation; his certificate read in part, “In recognition of the services you provide youth and families throughout the region.”
Quirk-Silva said one of the most important things is that students have a safe place after school; “Thank you to parents and community partners.”
Mayor Virginia Vaughn noted that the Club is where the youth learn leadership and other skills. “It takes all of us to make this happen; everyone in the City gets involved.”
Several students over the years have said, “If it wasn’t for this club, I don’t know where I would be,” and Vaughn echoed that same sentiment.
Then, it was, “Let the games begin,” as those who helped renovate the gymnasium were brought on court to toss the first baskets.
