(Newport News, VA) (August 18, 2014) – Groundbreaking for the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Virginia Peninsula’s (“BGCVP”) TowneBank Athletic Park is scheduled for Wednesday, August 20 at 4:00 p.m. Designed to engage youth through sports while building character, the park will be centrally located at the site of the former South Morrison Elementary School, across the street from the Pinedale Manor Boys & Girls Club on Adams Avenue.
The park is being constructed through a partnership with TowneBank, the Cal Ripken Sr. Foundation and the City of Newport News. Two years ago, the Prevention Committee of the City’s Gang Reduction Operational Council, with data provided by the police department, conducted a comprehensive analysis of activities to prevent gang violence. It was very apparent that a need exists for a facility that provides a safe, positive environment, and programs that offer youth a sense of belonging, supportive relationships, hope and opportunity. To combat childhood obesity, according to the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention, gyms, playgrounds, and sports fields should be open during non-school hours so more children can safely play.
“TowneBank truly believes in the mission of the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Virginia Peninsula,” says TowneBank Peninsula/Williamsburg President Brian Skinner. “We are thrilled to support this endeavor, which will fill such a great need in our community and have long-lasting, positive impacts on our youth.”
The multi-purpose athletic park will be a collaborative center available to other area non-profits and sports groups, as well as faith-based organizations, government and area businesses, with the goal to provide a continuum of service for effective prevention programs.
Steve Kast, the President & CEO of BGCVP, says “The Youth Development Park will become a reality because of the leadership of a committee of selfless leaders who understand transforming lives and providing hope and opportunity for challenged kids in challenged neighborhoods should be our first priority. This facility will be a beacon of hope for the youth of our community.”
The Honorary Chair for the Steering Committee is Coach Mike Tomlin of the Pittsburgh Steelers, who credits his Club with teaching him the “right way to compete.” Other committee members are Jimmy Bayne, William M. Francavilla, Tommy Garner, Joe Latchum, Jr., John R. Lawson, Curt Lowery, Wayne MacMasters, Lloyd Noland, III, Scott Russell, William T. Saunders, Jr., Paul S. Trible, Jr., and H.W. Trieshmann, Jr. M.D.
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About Boys & Girls Clubs of the Virginia Peninsula
Boys & Girls Clubs of the Virginia Peninsula has been a leader in youth development since 1946 with the mission “to inspire and enable all young people, especially those who need us most, to realize their full potential as productive, caring, responsible citizens.” The organization currently serves over 6,000 youth in 15 clubs located in Newport News, Hampton, Williamsburg, Gloucester, Mathews, and York County. Youth benefit from a caring professional staff who help them take control of their lives, envision productive futures, and help them set and achieve their goals. Boys & Girls Clubs offers youth a safe place to learn and grow with programs in five core areas: character and leadership development; education and career development; health and life skills; sports, recreation and fitness; and the arts. Great Futures Start at Boys & Girls Clubs of the Virginia Peninsula!
