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Boys & Girls Club of Snohomish County outlines growth, interest in Mill Creek site
Summary
Bill Sikalas, executive director of the Boys & Girls Club of Snohomish County, presented the organization's footprint, funding model and how partnerships with cities and tribes support operations. City councilors pressed for local data and asked about siting, transportation and programming for a potential Mill Creek location.
Bill Sikalas, executive director of the Boys & Girls Club of Snohomish County, told the Mill Creek City Council on March 25 that the organization has grown to 27 locations and serves roughly 20,531 registered members with an average daily attendance above 5,100 children.
Sikalas said the clubs operate by local nonprofit boards under charters from the national organization and often partner with cities, tribes and other nonprofits to provide locations and operations. “The real the goal that we have for our clubs is, is to get every kid, that's in their geographic proximity to join their club,” Sikalas said.
The presentation described models for locating clubs: city-owned buildings under long-term ground leases, tribally owned facilities with the club as operator, and mixed-use community centers that house libraries, senior housing and other tenants. Sikalas said the clubs keep annual membership dues low (he cited an example of about $30) and provide scholarships and meals where needed. He described multiple revenue sources including donations, program fees and limited grants from national programs.
Council members' questions focused on local need, site size and program mix. Councilor Duque asked about relationships with School District programs for before- and after-school care; Sikalas said the organization runs both standalone clubs and school-based before/after care where parents cannot get children to a home club. He said transportation is used where possible but is limited. Councilor Stecker pressed on program variety beyond sports; Sikalas said clubs offer homework help, meals, leadership and teen employment opportunities and that local programs are tailored to community needs.
Councilors asked about interest specifically in Mill Creek. Sikalas said the club has long been interested in the area, called it a geographic gap between other sites and said outreach to potential partners in Bothell and elsewhere is ongoing. He described typical “sweet spot” buildings around 20,000 to 30,000 square feet but said footprints vary by community and site constraints.
The council did not take formal action at the meeting but councilors requested follow-up materials including: a list of programs other clubs run, any existing site-level needs assessments for Mill Creek, and details on funding models and parking/acreage requirements.
The presentation closed with Sikalas offering to provide additional program lists and to continue discussions with city staff about potential partnerships and site options.
