News Summary
Baltimore has officially unveiled the new Baltimore Ravens Boys & Girls Club at the Hilton Recreation Center, which has undergone significant renovations after being closed for over ten years. Funded by a $20 million donation from the Baltimore Ravens and the Bisciotti Family Foundation, the facility aims to support local youth through various academic and athletic programs. Community leaders emphasize the importance of providing safe spaces for development, with plans for continued investment in youth services and community infrastructure.
Baltimore Celebrates New Boys & Girls Club at Hilton Recreation Center
Baltimore has unveiled a new facility dedicated to youth development, marking a significant community enhancement in West Baltimore. The Baltimore Ravens Boys & Girls Club was officially opened during a ribbon-cutting ceremony held on a sunny October afternoon, signifying a major investment in local youth services.
Fundamental Details of the New Facility
The new center, located at the Hilton Recreation Center, had been closed for over ten years prior to its renovation. The transformation was made possible through a $20 million donation from the Baltimore Ravens and the Bisciotti Family Foundation. This makes it only the third such collaboration in the nation between an NFL team and a Boys & Girls Club, emphasizing the project’s uniqueness and significance.
Development and Leadership
Former Ravens wide receiver Torrey Smith, through his LEVEL82 Foundation, played a key role in developing the center. His focus was on identifying Hilton Recreation Center as a critical location due to its high community need, close proximity to schools, and a strong local community association. The project entailed extensive renovations of the recreation center, which was in disrepair before the changes.
Facilities and Services Offered
The renovated Baltimore Ravens Boys & Girls Club now features a variety of state-of-the-art facilities designed to support academic, athletic, and personal development for children and teens. These include:
- Academic support and tutoring spaces
- Mentoring programs
- Leadership development initiatives
- Health and wellness programs
- Athletic opportunities such as a football field and basketball court
- Activity and game spaces
- A dance studio
- A sound studio
Community Impact and Usage
The new facility will serve as a sports hub for Green Street Academy, which previously lacked its own dedicated field. This arrangement allows local schools and groups to access sports facilities for practice and competitions, fostering community engagement.
Community and Leadership Perspectives
Leadership from the Ravens organization emphasizes the importance of providing safe spaces and impactful programs for youth, aiming to help children in West Baltimore reach their full potential. Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott recognized the center as a significant game-changer for local families.
Steve Bisciotti, Ravens owner, highlighted the organization’s ongoing commitment to investing in community projects, with plans for further initiatives following this development. Jeff Breslin, President & CEO of Boys & Girls Clubs of Metropolitan Baltimore, pointed out the pressing need for out-of-school programs, noting that over 252,000 children across Maryland lack access to such services.
Honoring Community Leaders and Ravens’ Heritage
The new turf field within the facility is named in honor of Dick Cass, a former Ravens president, in recognition of his leadership and dedication to community service. The design of the center incorporates decorative elements celebrating the Ravens, fostering a sense of identity and belonging among local children.
First Tour and Community Engagement
Community leaders, Ravens staff, and partners participated in the first tour of the newly opened facility alongside children expected to benefit from its programs. The event showcased the center’s potential to become a central hub for youth development in West Baltimore.
Looking Ahead
The Ravens and their partners view this project as a vital step in creating a lasting impact, with an emphasis on long-term community enrichment. The organization expressed intentions to continue investing in community infrastructure and youth programs, aiming to strengthen local neighborhoods and support future generations.
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Additional Resources
- Baltimore Ravens Official News
- CBS News: New Boys & Girls Club
- WBALTV: Ravens Boys & Girls Club
- Baltimore Ravens: Dick Cass Field Dedication
- The Banner: Ravens Hilton Rec Center
- Wikipedia: Boys and Girls Clubs of America
- Google Search: Boys and Girls Club Baltimore
- Google Scholar: Community Development Boys and Girls Clubs
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Boys and Girls Clubs of America
- Google News: Baltimore Boys and Girls Club
Author: STAFF HERE BALTIMORE WRITER
BALTIMORE STAFF WRITER The BALTIMORE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBaltimore.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Baltimore, Baltimore County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Baltimore Book Festival, Preakness Stakes, and Artscape. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Baltimore Chamber of Commerce and Visit Baltimore, plus leading businesses in shipping and healthcare that power the local economy such as the Port of Baltimore and Johns Hopkins Medicine. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Maryland's dynamic landscape.
