What you need to know about the new Massillon Boys & Girls Club new building

Amy L. Knapp, The Independent
·3 min read

MASSILLON – Work is underway on the new Massillon Boys & Girls Club.

Crews broke ground last month on the new building at 730 Duncan St. SW, which is poised to meet the needs of kids in the city now and in the future.

Organization leaders said the project would not have been possible without a number of financial contributors, including the Paul & Carol David Foundation.

Foundation President Jeff David played a role in the club's decision to undertake the construction.

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After a visit to the center and observing the aging facility, David recalled his father's belief in the club's mission because of his relationship with the club's former Director Joe Hibbard.

"I asked myself, ‘What would my dad do?'" David said. "That answer was obvious - being one of 13children whose family came from simple means, he naturally understood the needs of the kids the clubserved. Both my mother, Carol, and I agree he would have stepped up to lead the funding of this project,without a doubt.”

Massillon Boys & Girls Club: What you need to know

WHAT: The new building will be 29,386 square feet, increasing the program space by about 25% over the old building (24,000 square feet). The project architect is Moody Nolan Architects and the general contractor is Perry Township-based Beaver Constructors.

The new center is to be built in the south parking lot area, adjacent to the existing building.

The new two-story facility will have two multi-purpose rooms, a double gymnasium, and increased capacity for each room to accommodate more kids. A state-of-the-art kitchen will serve the members in a larger dining space.

The new club space will feature a "Reeding" Room sponsored by NFL Hall of Famer Andre Reed. The “Reeding” Room will house the daily after-school “Power Hour” Homework Help program as well as provide a place for daily math and reading classes along with open time for individual leisure reading.

Additionally, the dedicated space will be used to host events during Hall of Fame Week, culminating with the annual visit from Andre Reed and at least one additional Hall of Fame inductee.

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The new club will replace the building built in 1966. Since then, the facility has undergone five renovations. The club has implemented semi-permanent solutions to adapt to changing programming needs within the constraints of the building, officials said.

IMPACT: The new facility will allow the club to increase the number of children served. Right now, the club can serve about 1,000 kids. The new building will accommodate up to 1,200 kids.

Club officials said despite the cost to build the new facility, club membership will remain at $10 per year.

COST: The project is expected to cost around $8.5 million. Specific contributions have not been disclosed.

Others contributing to the project include:

  • The Timken Foundation of Canton

  • Bob and Nancy Gessner

  • Stark Community Foundation

  • MCTV

  • The Deuble Foundation

  • The Hoover Foundation

  • Doug and Carrie Sibila and People's Services

Additional funding sources have been secured but have not yet finalized their contribution with the Boys & Girls Club. According to officials, the club's capital campaign continues.

“The initial lead donors of the project are examples of the compassionate leadership and collaboration between organizations that makes these types of major projects successful in Stark County,” Executive Director Vince Pedro said. “We are extremely grateful for everyone’s gifts and support.”

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Plans for the growth don't stop with the new building. Pedro said there are further expansion plans and improvements to the campus in the works. No details about future plans have been released.

“Our kids are tremendous, and the long-standing support from the community has helped many kids become successful in life,” Pedro said. “We’re honored to receive this investment not just in our facilities, but in the kids of our community - it’s what makes Massillon great."

This article originally appeared on The Independent: Massillon Boys & Girls Club new building under construction