Beautification Project Event

Beautification Project Brings Together Communities and Will Promote Youth Health for Decades to Come

Boys & Girls Clubs of Tucson (BGCT) is excited to announce that this Saturday, September 17th, the Bill Dawson Memorial DEK Rink is finally wrapping up the landscaping project which will beautify the surrounding area that and bring joy to Tucson’s youth for decades to come. The rink is located on the Doolen Middle School grounds and is a partnership formed between TUSD and BGCT. Used during the day by the school, in the afternoon by the Frank and Edith Morton Clubhouse and rented on weekends and in the evenings, it is a continuous source of health and wellness development for the many who use it regularly.

The project will see the addition of 250 trees and plants to the area, as well as picnic tables and a shaded area. Members of BGCT’s own Keystone Club program, which provides youth with the tools needed to learn how to run a business, understand finances, and manage inventory will be volunteering by “staffing” a snack bar. It will be a day of laughter and purpose that will leave a positive impression for years to come.

The background of this project is a true success story of collaboration and communities coming together. When the rink was built in 2018, the surrounding area remained untouched and in need of attention. Recognizing an opportunity to serve Tucson’s youth, Mark Irvin spearheaded this beautification vision, forming multiple partnerships in a truly collaborative effort to transform the area.

As an example, just recently Bob Hoffman and The Roadrunners conducted a mural contest and Alejandra Trujillo worked with the BGCT Club members on a beautiful mural for the storage unit located next to the DEK. Rebecca Johnstone from Trees for Tucson laid the plans for flowers, trees and native plants designed to attract butterflies, hummingbirds, and celebrating the botanical beauty of the Southwest. Ian McDowell of Sundt came in with landscaping support on mulch.

With The Rotary Club of Tucson taking the lead on this final stage they were joined by The Tucson Roadrunners, The Winers & Diners, Sundt Construction, Concord Construction, Trees for Tucson, TUSD, BrightView, Chasse Building Team, and Shade Industries. This coming together of committed partnerships has made this deeply impacting dream a reality.

“I am delighted to see this project come to fruition. Mark has spearheaded this initiative and we are so appreciative of the in-kind support from all the partners who made this a reality. This is a true testament and commitment to enhance our community. I am fortunate to look out of my office window to see the enjoyment and use of the DEK by our youth.” Denise Watters, BGCT CEO

“Bill Dawson was a friend and mentor to me. He is the reason I joined the Boys & Girls Clubs Board over 30 years ago. His impact on this community was profound and his passing a huge loss to this community and to the Boys & Girls Clubs. He would have been so honored by all the folks who came together to make this gift to the kids of Tucson. To those who did, a heartfelt thank you.” Mark Irvin

“Tucson has wonderful community partners and to see such a collaborative effort is remarkable and appreciated. We know the positive impact of sport and specifically, the sport of hockey, and are proud that the efforts of the Roadrunners and so many others are helping to introduce the sport to Southern Arizona. The Roadrunners are honored to be a part of this project and honored to be a part of this amazing community.” Bob Hoffman

About Boys & Girls Clubs of Tucson
For nearly 65 years Boys & Girls Clubs of Tucson has helped keep thousands of local children involved in after school and summer programming. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, BGCT opened its doors to serve the community Monday through Friday with extended hours to support families with distance learning. Currently, the Clubs have resumed regular after school programming, offering daily access to a broad range of programs in five core areas: Character and Leadership Development; Education and Career Development; Health & Life Skills; The Arts; and Sports, Fitness, and Recreation. The organization currently serves youth ages 7-17 at its six local clubhouses and outreach programs. Boys & Girls Clubs of Tucson is a qualifying charity for the Arizona Charitable Tax Credit (QCO 20282). To find out more about Boys & Girls Clubs of Tucson, visit bgctucson.org or call (520) 573-3533.