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D6-No longer will it be necessary for the kids and staff to endure sweltering heat due to ineffective swamp coolers. The brand new Boys and Girls Clubs is a point of pride in Komatke. The 32,000 square foot facility is located at 51stAvenue and Pecos Road.
Since 1995, the Komatke Branch was located at the cafeteria and gymnasium of the former St. John’s Indian Mission School. The structure was built in the early 1960s. According to Father Dale, Phoenix Catholic Diocese, the high school closed in 1975 and the elementary school closed in 1990 due to lack of financing and limited enrollment.Benny Dixson, Tribal Projects Manager, believes that the facility is dilapidated beyond repair. “The building lived out its life. The exterior structural walls are cracking, the sewer system is cast iron pipes, and the electrical wiring is unsafe. Mouse droppings are everywhere.”
The price tag was close $5 million dollars. “It took a few budget mods [2001, 2002, and 2006] by the Council,” Dixson said, but the project had the support of the Community and was totally funded with tribal dollars, he added.
To help kick-off the fun at the new Club, WH Pacific recently donated 10 basketballs for the kids to enjoy. Local children accepted the gifts from Carl Jordan and Gene Valentine, representatives from WH Pacific, project architects. The leather basketballs, customized with GRIC and BGC logos, are inscribed with, “Thank you from your friends at WH Pacific.”
According to Jason Jones, Club Director and 13-year BGC employee, the new Club opened in August.
Jones said activities are in full swing. “The flag football season recently ended with a banquet for the kids and parents. Red Arrow Homes donated the food and each kid went home with a medal to commemorate the season.”
The major features of the Club are the two gymnasiums, computer learning center, and a full-service commercial kitchen. The auxiliary gym features an elevated performance stage complete with a wheelchair lift.
The outdoor play area includes a lighted football field that doubles as a soccer field, and a 50-foot fire pit, thanks to Councilman Terrance Evans, D6, who posed the idea to the architects, said Jordan of WH Pacific.
Dixson said the facility incorporates several green architectural features. A reverse osmosis water filtration system, carbon dioxide sensors, and natural lighting will add to the quality of playtime experiences and make visits to the Club memorable ones.
Jones said the Komatke Branch serves 92 kids daily, with 342 enrollees. Hours of operation are Monday through Thursday 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. and Fridays 1 p.m. to 7 p.m.
The GRIC funded two Clubs for the past 14 years. The Sacaton Branch opened its doors to a brand new facility in 1996. The Sacaton Branch serves 75 kids on a daily basis with 386 enrollees. The Club is open for limited hours on Saturdays.
According to Jones, open gym at Komatke is Monday and Wednesday 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Parents and kids travel from all areas throughout the Community to enjoy the beautiful amenities.
The BGC of the East Valley will soon hold its two annual fundraisers. The 13th Annual Boys and Girls Club of the East Valley Golf Tournament will be held on Nov. 20 at the Whirlwind Golf Club and the Bids for Kids Silent Auction and Dinner, Nov. 21, at the Sheraton at Wild Horse Pass Resort and Spa.
Look for a Komatke Branch grand opening date tentatively set for December.
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