Members of the community are eager to check out the renovations of the former East Campus and see all of the facility’s features and people will get a chance during a grand opening that should be scheduled soon.

Brad Somers, executive director of Boys and Girls Club of Alpena said kids were itching to move from the old club on River Street and into the new digs. He said when kids began to arrive the day it opened, the moment was surreal.

“The reaction was amazing,” Somers said. “When they first walked into this building, especially the kids that had grown accustomed to the old building, it was all smiles. This large facility will allow them to grow, flap their wings, and see and use all of the new amenities and technology.”

At the old club, which was failing structurally, kids had to eat in several different areas around the building. Somers said now, everyone can eat and socialize in one large cafeteria.

News Photo by Steve Schulwitz There are rows of seats and tables in the recreation area of the new Boys and Girls Club of Alpena.

“To be honest that is one of their favorite places, whether it’s to eat or just hang out,” Somers said.

The building has been outfitted with many large windows that allow sunshine to pour in. This is especially noticeable in the gymnasium, which has been fully revamped. There is also a large technology or computer room, a teen room, a play room, and even a large coat and backpack room where members can safely store their belongings. There are also six bathrooms, including a family restroom, which far outweigh the small individual boys and girls bathrooms at the old facility.

Walking into the club is still much like walking into the school and there are still elements of the former East Campus tied into the material updates. Some of the wall tiles are remnants of the old school, but for the most part, the facility is beginning its new use with a clean slate.

Security was also a priority when the building was designed and is monitored with cameras everywhere, except the restrooms.

“It is something I hope we will never need, but it is good to know we have them,” Somers said.

News Photo by Steve Schulwitz Brad Somers, executive director, organizes the chairs in the new computer and technology room at the new Boys and Girls Club of Alpena. The entire building incorporates the latest technology for the kids to learn and play on.

Over the last several years, Somers said, membership numbers and enrolment in club programs has climbed significantly, which heightened the necessity to have a new club built. Somers said over the last five years, the club has seen a 115% increase in attendance and the old club was filled to the brim with kids, staff, pool tables, computers and video games, which left very little room for storage or for children to chill by themselves if they needed a moment alone.

Somers said a new playground at the rear of the building will also be installed soon, which will give the kids a place to play outdoors and blow off some steam.

“It got to the point where staff and the board said ‘We have to open the doors for the kids because we had nearly 500 kids sign up for our summer program,'” he said.

He said in 2022 there were about 375 kids in the program, which was the most ever.

The number of kids signed up for the school-year program has also increased significantly, Somers said.

News Photo by Steve Schulwitz Half of the rec room at the new Boys and Girls Club of Alpena has pool tables and a ping-pong table.

Because everything in the club is shiny, clean, and new, Somers said the kids have taken ownership of it and are doing their best to keep it in the best condition possible. He said the kids are aware of the time, money, and hard work people sacrificed so they had the type of club they deserve.

“We have talked to them and they know that the community did this just for them,” he said. “I think they will treat it with respect and appreciate what everyone has done. They are choosing to take care of it, because someone chose to take care of them.”

The club raised about $3.1 million, which included a state grant, as well as local contributions from donors. Somers said the project never would have become a reality if it wasn’t for the generosity of everyone involved.

“It is truly amazing and everyone is expected to see it and tour it,” Somers said. “The club doesn’t survive without the community.”

News Photo by Steve Schulwitz The gymnasium inside has been completely redone and will provide a good place for kids to get exercise.