Students check out new digs at Boys & Girls Clubs

"It's like so big," Jazmyn Conde, 11, gasped as she stepped into the new clubhouse for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Western Nevada.

After nearly a decade of planning, the new 12,600-square-foot building on the corner of Northridge Drive and Russell Way opened to students Monday, the first day of school.

It replaces the 7,000-square-foot building on Stewart Street, which was home to the club fosr about 15 years.

"It's very exciting to be in the new club," said Bianca Alegria, 15. "We thought we'd be out of high school by the time it was done."

Chardonnay Campbell, 15, echoed, "It was like, finally."

Perhaps no one was more relieved than Director of Operations Diane McCoy. She was hired in 2001 to help get the club opened.

"It's been a long time coming," she said. "It's so great to have it here."

Although staff members have spent the last week moving into the club, the highlight, she said, was the return of the students.

"It's thrilling watching them come in and be excited about it," she said. "And to see how much they've grown up over the summer."

She wants that excitement to carry over into their treatment of the center.

"I want them to take pride and ownership," she said. "This is really their building."

Sarah Kendall, 16, felt instant ownership of the new teen room.

"It's more interesting to be in," she said. "It gives us power because it's upstairs. We can look down on all the little kids."

McCoy said she hopes the community also respects the club.

"It's a safe haven for the kids," she said.

The $5.5 million building will be open for the public to view Sept. 2, with a parade, marching band, National Guard helicopter and refreshments.