The City of San Marcos’ commitment to revitalizing the Richmar neighborhood spans nearly two decades. Today, the City and the Boys & Girls Club of San Marcos celebrated the construction kickoff for the neighborhood’s new crown jewel – a 5,390 square foot Boys & Girls Club Autumn Drive Clubhouse that will serve up to 150 youth every day.
When the City was looking for the perfect community-focused tenant to occupy a vacant block of commercial space in the Richmar neighborhood, City staff presented the Boys & Girls Club of San Marcos with an incredible offer: a $1 per year, 30-year renewable lease and $1.2 million of additional funding to help pay for the tenant buildout to open a second San Marcos Clubhouse. That funding was made possible through the City’s recent allocation of funds from the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (ARPA).
The new Clubhouse, expected to open this fall, will become a safe haven for local kids to play, imagine, explore and learn in their own neighborhood. The Boys & Girls Club of San Marcos launched a $1.5 million campaign to establish funding for furnishings, fixtures and start-up operating expenses prior to its anticipated fall opening.
“The need for quality childcare programs has never been greater in our community,” said Michelle Bender, City of San Marcos Deputy City Manager. “The Boys and Girls Club has been tirelessly working to meet the needs of our community, and they’ve outgrown their existing space. By partnering with this essential nonprofit, the City is proud to help expand services to the youth of our community who need it most.”
Building bright futures
The City of San Marcos has worked hard to lift up the Richmar community, which was one of the oldest and poorest communities in San Marcos plagued by crime, drug and gang activity. The Autumn Drive Clubhouse is in the heart of this revitalized neighborhood, which now features attractive and modern affordable housing units and mixed-use buildings, creating a walkable and safe community.
“The City really understands the impacts the Boys & Girls Club has on this community,” said Cathy Baur, President and CEO of the Boys & Girls Club of San Marcos. “The fact that we are working together to help create a better future for the kids in our community is just remarkable. It improves the quality of life for our city and the region.”
The new Autumn Drive Clubhouse will provide youth with safe and engaging spaces that will help them build bright futures. Planned spaces will include:
Game Room: The heart of every Boys & Girls Club, the game room will include pool tables, air hockey, foosball and more.
Performing Arts Area: This area will enable youth to explore their creativity with a stage, lighting and state-of-the-art sound system for performances.
Maker Space: Youth will have access to tools, equipment and supplies that will encourage and foster curiosity, discovery and learning.
Tech Center: Access to technology will help youth to complete schoolwork and gain skills for their future careers.
Demonstration Kitchen: Kids will learn how to cook healthy and nutritious meals and snacks.
