Lake Placid council backs talks with Boys & Girls Club and YMCA to expand after‑school programs
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Summary
The council authorized staff to negotiate with the Boys & Girls Club of Highlands County to use the town building at 151 Dow Hall Boulevard and with the Highlands County Family YMCA to provide youth programming at Lake June Park. Supporters emphasized need for affordable after‑school care and school‑board transportation.
Janice Rearick, who identified herself as chief executive officer of the Boys and Girls Club of Highlands County, presented a proposal to open a Lakes Placid clubhouse at town‑owned property at 151 Dow Hall Boulevard. Rearick said the site could serve up to about 60 children per day with after‑school and summer programming, offering homework help (the "Power Hour" program), STEM activities, and nutrition and fitness programming. She said the club’s funding mix includes federal, state, local and private donations and asked the council to authorize staff to draft an agreement or lease.
Dimitri Boussaint, CEO of the Highlands County Family YMCA, described complementary programming — youth sports, aquatics, after‑school childcare and financial assistance programs — and proposed starting some activities at Lake June Park fields while larger facility plans are considered. "Boys and Girls Clubs and the YMCA are partners," Boussaint said, adding that the YMCA often provides transportation arrangements with local school districts.
Council members asked logistical and budget questions, including how school‑board transportation would be handled and whether the town would need a budget amendment to cover initial costs. Town staff said details would be included in any contract brought back for council review.
Several local residents, campus staff and nonprofit leaders spoke in favor of bringing one or both organizations to Lake Placid, noting high rates of economically disadvantaged students in local schools and the high cost of private after‑school care. Dina Capuano (South Florida State College campus coordinator) and Anne Kennedy (prospective board member) emphasized the gap in affordable child care and offered support for volunteer and mentoring partnerships.
The council moved to authorize staff to continue negotiations with the Boys & Girls Club and to work with the Highlands County Family YMCA on programming options and to bring back contract language and estimated budget implications for council approval. The motions were seconded and carried on roll call.
Next steps: staff will negotiate lease/contract terms, include budget implications in any packet, and return to council for final approval of any agreement.