GREENEVILLE, Tenn. (WJHL) – A moment of excitement and community pride unfolded in Greeneville as the Boys and Girls Club of Greeneville and Greene County officially inaugurated its brand-new facility over the weekend. Enthusiastic guests gathered for a ribbon-cutting ceremony, marking the end of eager anticipation that has surrounded this development.
Dedicated to providing K-12 students with enriching and secure environments, this esteemed nonprofit organization offers a variety of after-school and summer programs. These programs are celebrated nationwide for their contribution to child and adolescent development.
Situated along East Vann Road, the impressive new edifice sprawls over 27,000 square feet, effectively doubling the space of its predecessor. At a cost of nearly $8 million, this state-of-the-art youth center boasts a range of facilities including an arts and crafts area, a cutting-edge learning and technology lab, and a health and wellness section. It also features various games and activities, crowned by a versatile gym equipped with 12 retractable goals.
Further enriching the educational landscape, the facility offers programs in Career and Technical Education (CTE), Science Technology Engineering and Math (STEM), along with workforce readiness courses. These programs are integral in guiding students toward successful graduation and equipping them with vital skills for the future.
Executive Director of the Boys and Girls Club of Greeneville and Greene County said he has been in the position since 1999 and with the growth he has seen in the facility over the years, he is excited for students to use the new modern development center.
“We’ve had a building we’re in that was built in the late 60s,” Bullington said. “So, everybody’s excited about the new technology in this building and about all the new activities and expanded services that we’ll be able to provide.”
The track to build the new facility has been in the works for years. Treasurer Ted Bryant said the modernized location aims to provide services to provide advancement and youth development within children to carry into adulthood.
“Every age, really in school, we’re hoping to provide some kind of services for and help them any way they need help,” Bryant said. “Growing as caring citizens.”
The public was open to view the ribbon cutting, ranging from the community, Boys and Girls club members and officials to local leaders.
Former member of the Boys and Girls Club of Greeneville and Greene County and current University of Tennessee football commit, Zaydyn Anderson, told News Channel 11 that he used to visit the former facility, where he had memorable experiences.
“I used to come here. I had a great time coming here, growing up and just a good experience to be here in the new building,” Anderson said.
Among many on the stage of the ribbon cutting was a former voice of the Tennessee Volunteers, Bob Kesling. Kesling told News Channel 11 that the new facility will shape the lives of the youth.
“They’re going to have the facility here with classrooms and basketball courts and all things,” Kesling said. “And, you know, of course, they got the park right next door. And that’s going to provide a lot of facilities that a lot of other Boys and Girls clubs having. So, this is going to change lives. This is a very important big step for not only this Boys and Girls Club, but I think this whole community and East Tennessee.”
The new facility will officially open on Monday for the children of the Boys and Girls Club to use as a safe space for all.