Boys & Girls Club Blog

May 9, 2024

The Oshkosh community got a first look at the Boys & Girls Club of Oshkosh’s $18.5 million newly expanded facilities when the public was invited to attend the Club’s Open House and Ribbon Cutting Ceremony held on Sunday, May 5. The public along with those that donated to the project, Club Alumni, board members and staff celebrated the completion of Phase 4, including the Hyde Family Community Center, Verve Administrative Center, OshKosh B’gosh Middle School Center, Community First Credit Union Multipurpose Field and Amcor Teen Center. This was part of the Club’s 5-part expansion which began in October 2022.

During the May 5 event, Boys & Girls Club CEO Tracy Ogden thanked the community for its support of the project.

“Together, we have created a space where children can learn, grow, thrive and a place where futures are shaped, dreams are nurtured and our opportunities are abound,” Ogden said in her address. “This momentous occasion is a testament to the power of our community, the spirit of generosity and the transformative impact we can have when we work together.”

President and CEO of Boys & Girls Clubs of America Jim Clark visited the Club earlier in the week for a private unveiling with donors of the project.

“What a transformation, but more importantly what’s going to happen inside this facility for decades and decades to come will forever change the trajectory of this community,” said Clark.

The recently completed fourth phase of the project includes a 30,000 sq. ft. new building that houses the Hyde Family Community Center, Verve Administrative Center and Amcor Teen Center.

The Hyde Family Community Center (entrance on Monroe Street) will bring together more than 24 local agencies to collaborate on improving service capabilities for families and the community.

The Verve Administrative Center (entrance on Broad Street) features an 8,000 sq. ft Amcor Teen Center on the second floor for ages 13-18 and a new administrative wing. The Club’s current Teen Center and administrative offices were renovated to become the new OshKosh B’gosh Middle School Center (for ages 10-12), doubling the program space for this age group. In addition, Club members have been enjoying the new Community First Credit Union Multipurpose Field, a turf field with year-round access.

Celebrating with non-alcoholic sparkling lemonade, the Club was given a plaque from Boys & Girls Clubs of America to honor the tremendous impact the building expansion project will have on children and families for years to come.

“This is one of the top Boys & Girls Clubs facilities in the country for two reasons; yes, it’s big and yes, there’s a lot of space, but the programming that will take place here for kids and teens will be second to none. And the other part is what they’re doing with community resources as 23 of them are partners in this building to help kids and their families so they, too, can be successful,” Clark added.

The Boys & Girls Club of Oshkosh thanks its generous donors for their help in completing Phase Four, including the Hyde family, Verve, a Credit Union, Amcor, and Community First Credit Union.

The final phase of the project, beginning construction in June, includes a second gym and new playground to better accommodate the 450 children the Club will be able to serve daily. We are working hard to get to the finish line and secure the remaining funds needed for this final phase. If you would like to give a gift to the project or take a tour, please contact Tracy Ogden, at (920) 233-1414, ext. 116, or tracyo@bgcosh.org, or you can donate online at bgcosh.org.