Boys and Girls Club, Rec & Parks eye deal

Dave Ryan
Posted 2/9/21

Dorchester Banner/Dave Ryan The county’s Recreation & Parks Department has begun programs in its new facility on Leonards Lane in Cambridge. CAMBRIDGE — Members of the Dorchester County …

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Boys and Girls Club, Rec & Parks eye deal

Posted
Dorchester Banner/Dave Ryan
The county’s Recreation & Parks Department has begun programs in its new facility on Leonards Lane in Cambridge.

CAMBRIDGE — Members of the Dorchester County Council unanimously approved at their Feb. 2 meeting a move to study a partnership between the county’s Recreation & Parks Department and the Boys and Girls Clubs of Metropolitan Baltimore. The concept would bring club programs to the newly acquired building on Leonards Lane, Monday-Friday, from 2-7 p.m.

Former director of Rec & Parks Frank Stout said at the meeting that the club would serve youth ages 6-18. After sending many letters to interested citizens, he said, “Feedback I got was positive.”
State organizations have expressed interest in financially supporting the initiative, with the Governor’s Office of Crime Prevention, Youth and Victims’ Services being the largest, Mr. Stout said, adding that the office was willing to allocate $100,000 to the project in Cambridge.

The J2W Foundation has committed its support, he said, as has the Cal Ripken Sr. Foundation.
The county bought the former Bay Country Racquet Club last year, using $430,000 of Project Open Space state funds. Programs are already taking place in the 29,000-square-foot facility, but there is room for more.
The club would use half of the space during its hours of operation. “Beyond that, and around that, Recreation & Parks would have charge of administering recreational programs throughout the remainder of the facility, for the duration of the time that the building is open.”

The part of the building not being used by the club would still be available to the county’s programs.
Mr. Stout also noted that the Cambridge Police Department had expressed support for the project.
Capt. Justin Todd confirmed the department’s interest on Thursday, saying, “Yes, we have advised that we would like to assist with the Boys’ and Girls’ Club in any way possible and partner with them and our PAL program.”

The PAL is active at Mace’s Lane Middle School, where after-class sports and activities are provided under the guidance of police officers.
The Boys and Girls Club has also taken part in talks with a group seeking to set up a community center in the former Mace’s Lane High School. Hershel Johnson, who has taken a leading role in the Mace’s Lane work, and who also serves on the Rec & Parks advisory board, said his groups support the project.
The club would like to expand its operations to Hurlock as well, Mr. Stout said.

Council Member Ricky Travers (District 3) made a motion to form a committee to examine the proposal before the council decides to accept it.
The Boys and Girls Club of Baltimore offer a variety of programs, including dance, counseling, meals, art, and homework help. To learn more about the club, visit bgcmetrobaltimore.org.

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