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Boys & Girls Club to expand after-school programming into school recreation centers
(MANHATTAN, Kan. – August 16, 2022) — The City of Manhattan’s Parks and Recreation Department (MPRD) and Boys & Girls Club of Manhattan (BGC) have partnered to expand after-school programs into two recreational facilities.
Boys & Girls Club of Manhattan is increasing current youth programming for up to 50 middle school-aged youth through the end of the 2022-2023 school year by using space at both Anthony Recreation Center and Eisenhower Recreation Center, for a total of 100 spots. The program will begin Monday, August 22.
The two recreation centers will be fully reserved for youth after-school programs and activities from 2:45 to 5:30 p.m. on school days. The facilities otherwise will be open during normal hours on those days.
“Last year, we saw a large influx of youth accessing our facilities after school, which was difficult for us to staff appropriately,” said Wyatt Thompson, interim director of parks and recreation for the City of Manhattan. “The Boys & Girls Club has the necessary expertise and resources to provide safe, effective after-school programming opportunities for our youth.”
Spots will be available on a first-come, first-served basis. Parents/guardians will need to sign their children up through the BGC website at www.bgclubmanhattan.com/become-a-member.cfm. MPRD will not handle any registrations for this programming. Cost is $100 per semester, with a $30 annual membership fee. Scholarships are available based on financial need.
Unified School District (USD) 383 currently has priority access to a portion of both recreation centers on days when school is in session through an interlocal agreement with the City. As part of these partnerships, BGC and USD 383 will use all courts at each facility, as well as the walking tracks, multipurpose rooms, and lobby/lounge areas, during their reserved time slot on school days.
BGC currently offers after-school programming at the two middle schools in coordination with USD 383, and this new partnership with the City and MPRD will build upon that. BGC will fully staff the programs and provide all supplies and equipment.
“This partnership is a very exciting opportunity for youth in the Manhattan community. We will be able to provide safe and effective programming for even more middle schoolers at both Anthony and Eisenhower, while utilizing two beautiful City facilities,” said BGC Chief Executive Officer Hannah Coash.
“We appreciate the Boys & Girls Club of Manhattan working with us to provide this expanded after-school programming at the middle school recreation centers in a more structured way, and the continued partnership with Anthony and Eisenhower school administrators, as well,” said City Manager Ron Fehr.
There will be no weekend BGC programming at the Anthony and Eisenhower Recreation Centers. Douglass Activity Center (DAC) will remain open to the public on weekdays and the community is encouraged to use this facility when the other two facilities are occupied after school.
About Boys & Girls Club of Manhattan
Boys & Girls Club of Manhattan has been established since 1994 and offers Kansas Department of Health and Environment-licensed after-school programs.
BGC has 12 locations in the Manhattan and Wamego areas and serves more than 1,800 youth yearly. BGC offers programming in the areas of academic success, healthy lifestyles, and good character and citizenship.
For more information about enrolling in after-school programs, please call BGC at (785) 539-1947 or visit www.bgclubmanhattan.com/become-a-member.cfm.
About the City of Manhattan and the Parks and Recreation Department
More information about the City can be found online at www.cityofmhk.com, or by following the City on Facebook @cityofmanhattan or Twitter @cityofmhk.
The Parks and Recreation Department website is www.mhkprd.com. Find the latest information about Rec programs on Facebook @manhattanparksandrec or Twitter @ManhattanPRD.
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