County club partnership brings after-school program to local youth.

By Timithie NORMAN

The Boys and Girls Club of Burbank and Greater East Valley recently announced a partnership with the Los Angeles County Department of Parks and Recreation to bring a new program to Crescenta Valley Park serving local elementary and middle school students.

During the school year, the program will operate at the park weekdays from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. and offer a variety of activities including homework assistance, athletics, games, creative arts and more.

“For the past several years, parents, community members and local government officials have asked us to open a Boys & Girls Club in Glendale or La Crescenta but we were never able to make this happen as no one had any space to lend or donate to the club,” explained Shanna Warren, executive director of the Boys and Girls Club of Burbank and Greater East Valley. “It’s a dream come true for us.”

Warren said that a few months back, the County approached the Boys and Girls Club and offered the CV Park facility at no cost. In return, the Club will provide quality programming after during school and summer months for an additional 200 area youth.

Crescenta Valley Park was an appealing location because it is walking-distance from three schools. Children from all local elementary and middle schools are welcome to attend, and a daily walking pick-up will take place at Lincoln Elementary.

“We are very excited to be partnering with the County on this project and are grateful for the space and their desire to provide quality programs for youth,” Warren said.

The after-school program is scheduled to open on Monday, Aug. 20.

The annual membership fee for the Boys and Girls Club is $75, with the after-school program charged at $120 per month. The Club has a policy to turn no child away, however, and scholarships are available to those who qualify.

Interested parents are invited to register starting on Tuesday, Aug. 14 from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. at 2244 N. Buena Vista St. in Burbank. After Tuesday, registration will also be available online at bgcburbank.org.

  Timithie NORMAN