The Boys & Girls Club of the Plateau has officially launched its $8 million Capital Campaign to build a permanent Boys & Girls Club on the grounds of the Highlands Recreation Center, creating a lasting investment in the future of Highlands children, families, and the community.
The project represents a unique public‑private partnership between the Town of Highlands and Boys & Girls Club of the Plateau that will benefit generations of residents. Through the collaboration, the town is providing the land while BGCP will raise the funds to design and construct the facility. Upon completion, ownership of the building will be transferred to the town, creating a permanent public asset that will serve both local youth and the broader community for decades to come.
BGCP will operate the facility, providing free after‑school and summer programming for youth in kindergarten through 12th grade who live in the Highlands area or whose parents or guardians work in the community. During evenings, weekends, and other non‑program hours, the building, outdoor pavilion, and surrounding grounds will be available for community meetings, educational programs, nonprofit events, concerts, festivals, and other civic gatherings, making it both a Boys & Girls Club and a welcoming community gathering place.
Located in the heart of Highlands on the Recreation Center campus, the new Club will provide members with convenient access to the Recreation Center amenities, swimming pool, athletic fields, walking trails, and the newly renovated Highlands Park playground. Its central location, just minutes from Highlands School and downtown, will also improve transportation for families and allow more children to participate in high‑quality after‑school and summer programming.
“This is much more than a building,” said Carmen Waite, Chief Executive Officer of Boys & Girls Club of the Plateau. “It’s an investment in the future of Highlands. Thanks to the vision of the Town of Highlands and the generosity of our community, we’re creating a place where children can thrive, families can succeed, and the community can gather.”
The need for expanded space has become increasingly urgent. BGCP’s current Highlands Club has reached capacity, limiting its ability to serve additional youth. The existing location also presents transportation challenges, requiring lengthy bus routes from Highlands School and making pick‑up difficult for some working families. The new facility will significantly expand access to free out‑of‑school programming for youth in kindergarten through 12th grade, with dedicated space for middle and high school students that will enhance leadership development, career exploration, workforce readiness, academic support, and life skills programming.
The new Club is expected to open in Fall 2028. For more information, call (828) 743‑2775 or email kayla@bgcplateau.org. Visit our website at bgcplateau.org.
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