Council approves resolution to pursue Boys & Girls Club partnership at Minnie Lee Davis Harris center

The committee voted to authorize staff to pursue a partnership agreement with the Boys & Girls Club of the Greater Triad to provide after‑school and summer programming at the Minnie Lee Davis Harris Community Center.

Staff presentation explained the Club's "hub and spoke" approach and that the organization aims to scale from existing sites to multiple locations across the Greater Triad. Staff said the Club hopes to begin programming in August and would like access to the facility in July for planning. "If you all approve this resolution directing the city manager to enter into an agreement, then we probably would look to also execute an access agreement for them to be able to get into the building the facility early so they can start their planning," staff said.

William Royston, the parks and recreation director, said the partnership could free department staff to focus on other activities and highlighted the Club's transportation resources. Council members sought clarity on whether the Club would charge fees or screen families; Royston said the Club "does not do a lot of charging for a lot of the programs" and that details on structure would be provided once negotiations progress. He added that any fee would likely be minimal.

Leah Friend, assistant recreation director, reviewed current programming at Minnie Lee Davis Harris — including evening boxing, teen programs and summer camp — and operating hours (approximately mid‑afternoon into the evening). The council moved and approved the resolution by voice vote; staff will work on access agreements and program details and return further structure to the council as part of the implementation.