Westside branch of Boys & Girls Clubs of Hall Co. opening

GAINESVILLE - The Boys & Girls Clubs of Hall County will celebrate the grand opening of a new 10,400-square-foot state-of-the-art facility next week with the capacity to serve 250 area youth per day. <br /> <br /> The construction of the new complex is the culmination of a multi-year fundraising campaign which also provided the funding for a 16,200-square-foot Teen Center which was completed in June, 2006 and renovations to the Positive Place Club. <br /> <br /> These expansions were made possible by area businesses and individuals who funded the capital campaign. <br /> <br /> Jim Walters, President of Walters Management Company teamed up with a group of community leaders to lead a multi-million dollar capital campaign to benefit the Boys & Girls Clubs of Hall County.<br /> <br /> "Currently, the Clubs play a significant role in serving more than 5,000 children annually, providing guidance, safe refuge and a place to learn and grow," Walters commented. "However, we have seen that this is far short of the need and the demand that exists in Hall County, and I want to ensure that no child who needs our programs and services is ever turned away."<br /> <br /> In addition to the new Joseph F. Walters Club there is also a new Outdoor Recreation Complex which was funded by the Medical Center Foundation's 2009 Medical Center Open and in part by the NFL Grassroots Program. The Outdoor Recreation Complex includes a football/soccer field, playground and outdoor basketball courts. <br /> <br /> "An epidemic of childhood obesity severely threatens the health of our youth, stated Nancy Colston, executive director of the Medical Center Foundation. "This recreational complex will help promote activity-based programming to increase the health and wellness of our community's children." <br /> <br /> The grand opening celebration will be held on Tuesday 11:30 am

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