Founded in 1971, the Boys & Girls Clubs of Palm Beach County, Inc. stands as a beacon of hope and opportunity, dedicated to fostering the educational, health, leadership, and character development of youth in a safe, nurturing environment.

With 20 clubs strategically located throughout the county, this not-for-profit organization enriches the lives of over 13,000 children annually through a wide array of programs aimed at leadership, technology, and personal growth.

Identifying the Need in District 5

Through extensive research, the Boys & Girls Clubs identified a pressing need for a new facility in West Palm Beach’s District 5. This area, encompassing feeder schools such as Palmetto Elementary, Belvedere Elementary, Conniston Middle, and Forest Hill High, and is home to many economically disadvantaged students facing significant academic challenges.

While temporary programs at Forest Hill High School and Conniston Middle School have provided some support to the community, a dedicated facility in Dreher Park is essential to expand and tailor services to the broader community’s unique needs.

A New Facility in Dreher Park

Securing a permanent location in Dreher Park, a community hub that hosts the Palm Beach Zoo, the Cox Science Center, and the Stiles Nicholson STEM Center, the new Boys & Girls Club facility will seamlessly integrate into this already vibrant area. Strategically situated north of these amenities, the facility will enhance the park’s appeal and utility, offering a comprehensive range of programs in a purpose-built environment.

Approved by the City Commissioners, the project includes shared parking, tree mitigation, and earthen mound removal, ensuring the facility meets community needs while preserving the park’s natural beauty and functionality.

Community Collaboration and Design Excellence

WGI was truly honored to play such a pivotal role in this transformative project, providing civil engineering, surveying, environmental assessments, landscape architecture, and land use planning services. Our multidisciplinary team has worked diligently from initial design development through project completion, collaborating closely with the Boys & Girls Club, the project’s architect, and City staff to address site constraints and regulatory requirements, and ensuring that the proposed clubhouse and gymnasium meet all standards.

Over the past two years, WGI has actively engaged with community members to foster understanding and support for the project. Regular meetings with Boys & Girls Club leaders and the project’s architect have facilitated transparent communication and progress updates, creating a collaborative environment that ensures the project’s success.

Pro Bono Contributions and Ongoing Support

Reflecting our commitment to the Boys & Girls Clubs’ mission, a portion of WGI’s work on this project was performed pro bono. This contribution underscores our belief in the transformative power of community-focused initiatives and demonstrates our dedication to our core value – Be the Change you Seek.

As the project progresses, WGI’s team of civil engineering experts will continue to work alongside the construction team to secure building permits and oversee the development of the facility. This new Boys & Girls Club in Dreher Park is more than just a building; it is a beacon of hope for the underserved and a testament to the power of community collaboration.

Looking Ahead

Set to become a vital resource for the West Palm Beach community, the Boys & Girls Club at Dreher Park will provide essential services and opportunities for youth development. WGI is proud to support this endeavor and is confident it will have a lasting positive impact on the lives of so many children and their families.

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