City of Statesville and Boys & Girls Club of the Piedmont, Inc. Announce Partnership to Expand Recreation Access and Strengthen Youth Services

Youth programming through the Boys & Girls Club of the Piedmont will continue without interruption as part of the agreement.

The purchase represents a strategic investment in the future of youth programming and geographically accessible recreation facilities. By bringing the Cochran Street building under its ownership, the City of Statesville will expand its long-term capacity to provide recreation facilities for the community in an area experiencing significant residential growth.

Approximately 3,000 to 4,000 homes are approved or in development in the surrounding area, which currently does not have a dedicated recreation center. The acquisition aligns with the City’s Route to Recreation plan and its Strategic Plan – Connecting Our Community – which outlines the City’s vision and goals for investing in and supporting residents across all neighborhoods.

The purchase price is $3.25 million, financed over 10 years with zero percent interest. As part of the agreement, the city will lease the Bentley Community Center to the Boys & Girls Club for five years with a renewal option at $1 per year.

“This partnership allows us to meet two important goals at once,” said Ron Smith, City Manager for the City of Statesville. “We are expanding recreation access in a growing part of our city while ensuring that youth programming continues without interruption. This is a thoughtful, collaborative solution that positions both organizations for long-term success.”

In recent years, the Boys & Girls Club of the Piedmont has experienced significant reductions in federal grant funding, and the Cochran Street facility has become larger than operational needs require. The agreement allows the Boys & Girls Club to focus its financial resources on its core mission of delivering high-quality programming, mentorship, and academic support while also creating opportunities to expand services in the future.

“The Boys & Girls Club of the Piedmont is excited to partner with the city through this purchase and lease agreement,” said Donna Collins, Board Chair of the Boys & Girls Club of the Piedmont. “We remain committed to delivering the high-quality programming that children and families in our community rely on, and we look forward to expanding our membership and the areas we serve under our new leadership. The future of the Boys & Girls Club in Iredell County is bright.”

Under the agreement:

• Youth programming will continue uninterrupted.
• Approximately 150 students will continue receiving after-school and summer services at the Bentley Community Center, located at 1410 3rd Street.
• The city will lease the Bentley Community Center to the Boys & Girls Club in five- year increments.
• Programming partnerships will be developed between the City’s Recreation & Economic Vitality Department and the Boys & Girls Club.

The city will also staff the Bentley Community Center on weekends to provide public access to the indoor basketball courts. The Bentley Center Splash Pad and adjacent park will remain open to the public, with limited access during Boys & Girls Club programming hours.

The Cochran Street facility will be converted into a full-service, city-operated recreation center serving all Statesville residents and will provide a more proximate location to the western and southern sides of town, while maintaining the Boys & Girls Club Teen Center location.

While the City of Statesville and the Boys & Girls Club of the Piedmont have enjoyed a strong partnership in the past, this collaborative transition ensures continuity for children and families while positioning the city to meet the growing recreational needs of the community.

Additional details regarding programming, renovations, and transition timelines will be shared as plans move forward.