ALLENTOWN, Pa. — Samuel Rodriguez’s shot arced above the gleaming new basketball court and snapped through the net, creating a firecracker sound.
It reflected the celebration of the moment.
“This place is beautiful, isn’t it?” Rodrigiuez, 16, said. “It makes you want to keep coming back here. It’s special.”
Special was, indeed, the word of the day as the Boys & Girls Club of Allentown celebrated the grand reopening of its Sixth Street Clubhouse gymnasium on Thursday morning.
"For us to have made such a big investment means so much to the kids and our community.”Katarah Jordan, CEO, Boys & Girls Club of Allentown
There was a brand new gymnasium floor, brand new paint on the walls, brand new bleachers, brand new lighting, brand new wall pads around the perimeter of the gym.
All of it branding the gymnasium as a special place for the 1,100 Allentown youths it serves.
“It is phenomenal to see the children walk in here for the first time, to see the smiles on their faces,” Boys & Girls Club of Allentown Chief Executive Officer Katarah Jordan said.
“Our gymnasium hadn’t been touched since the building was built [in 1972]. It’s a central hub for our kids and a central hub for our community.
"For us to have made such a big investment means so much to the kids and our community.”
'Develop lifelong relationships'
The project was funded by a $100,000 American Rescue Plan Act grant secured by state Sen. Nick Miller, D-14th District, who attended the ribbon-cutting ceremony, and private donations.
“Community centers like this play a vital role in providing students with a reliable and supportive environment,” Miller said.
“It’s equipped with a new modern recreational facility that will encourage students to explore their interests, develop lifelong friendships and grow their talents.
“I am committed to advocate for and listen to the needs of our community to ensure we continue investing in local organizations that empower our students and create a positive impact for all our residents.”
Jordan recalled the moment the project germinated.
“Senator Miller came in one day and said we all needed to brighten this up for the kids,” she said. “We have put up some new paint. We have to give them a reason to want to come here.
“This is a gym for our children. It's a gym for the Boys & Girls Club. But it's also a gym for Allentown.”Matt Sommers, Boys & Girls Club of Allentown development coordinator
“His comments aligned exactly with what I was feeling at the moment.”
The gymnasium renovation began with demolition in late November and was completed in six weeks.
“This is a gym for our children,” said Matt Sommers, Boys & Girls Club of Allentown development coordinator. “It's a gym for the Boys & Girls Club. But it's also a gym for Allentown.”
Rodriguez snapped another shot through the net. Brandol Mota, 15, grabbed the rebound, dribbled away, spun and banked one in.
“I always come here,” Mota said. “Now, I think I’ll come back more.”
