CHANDLER, Ariz. – The Chandler City Council recently approved an amended lease agreement with the Chandler Compadres Branch of the Boys and Girls Club of the Valley, a city facility located at 300 E. Chandler Blvd.
With this amended 10-year lease agreement, the three partners — City of Chandler, Chandler Compadres and the Boys and Girls Clubs of the Valley — are ready for the facility’s next steps, which include a major renovation of the building and programming space to create a flagship site to address needs in the community.
The city has provided Human Services funding to the Boys and Girls Club for the past 28 years. The buildings were originally purchased by the city in 1995 and leased to the Club in order to provide youth ages 5-18 with a variety of services. Then in late 2009, the buildings were demolished to construct a new facility using a 2007 bond allocation of $8.5 million.
It’s now time for another investment in the facility to continue providing quality services to Chandler youth. The city has budgeted approximately $1.3 million toward renovations this fiscal year that will include a state-of-the-art teen center, a new front lobby and conference room with enhanced safety features, and a new game room. In addition, the nonprofit Chandler Compadres has donated $1 million towards much needed afterschool transportation services for youth.
As part of this amended lease agreement, the city will have priority access to the premises, including the gymnasium and athletic fields during non-business hours when not in use by the Boys and Girls Club. This expands the city’s ability to serve additional youth and provide more recreational uses in the surrounding area.
In addition, the Boys and Girls Club will continue to provide outreach and marketing to promote their programs to Chandler residents, students and the youth of those working within the city limits. The focus of these outreach efforts will be the community in need, residents from the Galveston neighborhood, Title I schools and Chandler’s public housing residents. The Club’s staff also will be required to participate in events and initiatives impacting the surrounding community, such as back-to-school and holiday drives.
Additional measures as part of the lease agreement include: targeting low-income residents and providing financial assistance as needed as funds are available; serving Chandler’s public housing residents at no cost; providing members with access to snacks and meals; preparing annual reports highlighting the impact; and conducting annuals surveys of members and parents.
Since late 2009, the city has provided maintenance and custodial services and covered utility costs as part of the lease agreement that was set to expire in 2029. This new lease will continue through July 2033, with an option for an additional 10-year extension.
This decades-long partnership continues to bring together public and private resources to provide engaging and impactful opportunities for Chandler youth and families.
Media contact:
Stephanie Romero
Public Information Officer, City of Chandler
480-782-2231