Boys & Girls Club seeks town land at Houston House for permanent Highlands campus

Leaders of the Boys & Girls Club at the Plateau asked the Highlands Board of Commissioners on June 19 to explore a public–private partnership to build a permanent Highlands campus on underused land at the recreation park commonly called the Houston House site.

Mike Kistner and Carmen Waite, director of the Highlands club, described rapid growth: the club opened a Highlands satellite in 2024 and a teen center this summer; they said waitlists and summer-camp demand show local need. Waite said the club operates under national Boys & Girls Clubs standards, provides evidence-based academic and career-readiness programs, and runs free summer camp and transportation for some Highlands children.

The club requested the town consider making town-owned land at the rec center available so the club could build a purpose‑built facility. Their proposed model: the town would lease the land to the club at a nominal rate and own the building; the club would raise private funds to construct the facility and assume full operational responsibility thereafter. The club presented conceptual site and building sketches showing a classroom-based layout and a covered pavilion for sports.

Commissioners and staff responded positively and said the proposal aligns with prior master plans for the rec area. Mayor Taylor and several commissioners described the idea as a long-term investment in youth services; one commissioner noted the club’s previous fundraising help for the playground. No funding decisions were made on June 19.

The board agreed to pursue the next step: hold a workshop or special meeting with town staff, club representatives and community stakeholders to scope partnership terms, property/legal considerations and any public funding role. Staff and the club will provide drawings and additional financial detail ahead of that workshop.