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New gym floor benefits community, youth

More positive steps

OBSERVER Photo Boys & Girls Club of Northern Chautauqua County members and staff have been utilizing the new floor for about two weeks.

A new gym floor is benefiting a pair of agencies that are located on Central Avenue in Dunkirk.

About two weeks ago, workers completed the installation of the floor at the Salvation Army location at Seventh Street. Also housed in the building is the Boys & Girls Club of Northern Chautauqua County, which was awarded $22,000 for the floor from the Ralph C. Wilson Jr. Legacy Funds from the Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo.

According to Anneliese Bruegel, club executive director, the purpose of the new surface is to provide access to an up-to-date indoor gym floor space for local youth and diversify the types of sport options being provided. Outside of the local schools there is limited indoor gym space for youth and community members, she said.

“This new gym is a place where our kids can express themselves freely while they play,” Bruegel said. “Besides traditional basketball court lines, it also has a hopscotch and foursquare that has encouraged all ages to play together and enjoy the same space while being active.”

A Chautauqua County health report notes 32% of youth here are overweight or obese. In addition, Dunkirk is located within a declared food desert as many youth lack healthy options for food and/or play. “The children in our community deserve to have something just for them and to feel a sense of ownership over their play space,” Bruegel said. “We couldn’t be more proud or excited about this new opportunity for our local youth.”

Besides the positives for club children, other partners in the region will be benefiting. The gym is home to a regional basketball program that is overseen by the Salvation Army and Sixto Rosario annually.

“Through the support of donations, foundations as well as numerous community businesses and members, our club is making a difference in the lives of area youth,” said John D’Agostino, president of the Boys & Girls Club of Northern Chautauqua County. “This floor is a significant investment for this club as well as our partner, the Salvation Army.”

Besides being at 704 Central Ave., the Boys & Girls Club of Northern Chautauqua County has five other locations including the Dunkirk elementary schools and the Silver Creek school district. Last year, the club served more than 1,000 youth in the county.

For more information, call the club at 366-1061.

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