Boys and Girls Club of Lake Tahoe signs land lease, first step for new clubhouse

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The community could see a new Boys and Girls Club in South Lake Tahoe as early as Spring 2021.

During their November 13 meeting, the Lake Tahoe Unified School District (LTUSD) Board voted unanimously to approve a ground lease between them and the Boys and Girls Club of Lake Tahoe (BGCLT), enabling the nonprofit youth club to build on a lot owned by the district adjacent to their current location at Al Tahoe Elementary.

“This really is the perfect opportunity for the Club” stated BGCLT Board President Terri Arnold. “Not only do we stay in our current location, close to STMS, the recreation center and the library, but we will have the opportunity to design and build a true Clubhouse that will enable us to serve more families and provide the ideal space for our activities”.

The "Angel of Tahoe" Lisa Maloff kick started the project with a $3.5 million donation. The El Dorado Community Foundation will work with BGCLT to raise the additional $3 million needed to complete the building. They will also be reaching out to Tahoe Regional Planning Agency, South Tahoe Public Utility District and local construction companies for assistance with the permitting and building process.

"This is a community project and the Club intends to employ local businesses as much as possible during the build," said BGCLT Executive Director Jude Wood.

“We have so many people to thank” said Wood. “Dr Tarwater, Billy Wessell and all of the School Board, who have been supportive and enthusiastic throughout the negotiations. Board Member Jenny Peterson who is acting as our attorney. Wendy David, Ricky Reich, Jeff Tillman and others who first raised the possibility of approaching the District for land and, of course. Lisa Maloff for her generous donation, without which, this and many other projects in town would be impossible to achieve.”

If all goes smoothly, the new Clubhouse could be open as early as spring of 2021.

Depending on the final outcome of Measure T, BGCLT still hopes to work with the City of South Lake Tahoe in using the recreation center for teen programs.

The terms of the lease have not been released but Wood said it will be minimal for the use of 14,000 square feet for the new building. It is still up in the air as what LTUSD will do with the former Al Tahoe Elementary School that currently houses BGCLT and other agencies and classrooms. Boys and Girls Club is able to remain in the old school until their new clubhouse is completed. What LTUSD will do with the school at that time is unclear, but it has been discussed to be home to an early childhood care center, lower level elementary classes, STEM rooms and other functions.

More information on the Club’s building fund and plans can be obtained from Jude Wood, Executive Director, on 530 542 0838 or jwood@bgclt.org.

- South Tahoe Now Staff Report