By The Boys & Girls Clubs of the Great Lakes Bay Region
BAY CITY – Members of the Bay City Boys & Girls Club were stunned when they returned to their building this week; after a month-long remodel, they barely recognized the space.
Located on Lafayette Avenue, the Club has served young people in the Bay City area for 67 years. Since the beginning of 2024, the organization has invested almost half a million dollars in updating and upgrading the Club. Work began in the spring with a fresh coat of paint throughout the building’s interior. After youth members left for the summer, contractors from Spence Brothers and Clements Electric installed new flooring, ceilings, and lighting.
“I’m pretty sure that they should keep it like this, cause it looks really good,” Journee W., 9, said. “I like the new colors. They’re much more brighter, and it’s very clean.”
According to Boys & Girls Clubs, the project found a champion in State Rep. Timothy Beson. A former Club member, the legislator helped the organization access state funding to support the endeavor.
“I actually used to ride my bike there with another friend,” Beson said. “We would pay a quarter to drop in. It was a great opportunity, and it was not that far to get there.”
Beson described the Club as a “hidden gem,” and one he wanted to remain in Bay City. The facility offers after-school and summer care for local youths, complete with hot meals, charging only $50 per child for the year. Moreover, programming is designed to be hands-on and experiential.
“We promote nutritional literacy outside in our edible education garden,” CEO Lynn Pavlawk said. “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.”
In 2024, over 130 registered youths enjoyed summer programming at the facility; during the school year, this figure can double.
While the facility has reopened for its members, these initial improvements only represent the first phase in a larger undertaking, which will see additional program spaces installed in the Club.
“We’re excited to introduce a new and improved computer lab in the next few months,” Pavlawk said. “Thanks to our friends at Hemlock Semiconductor, this will allow us to offer digital literacy programs and even an esports league. An educational kitchen is also on the horizon.”
Those interested in learning more about the Boys & Girls Clubs should visit boysandgirlsclubsglbr.com or call the main office at 989-321-9648.
