Teens create safe space at Boys and Girls Club with $20K renovation project

MACHESNEY PARK, Ill. (WTVO) — The Boys and Girls Club gave a sneak peek at the renovations to the facility that will soon be open to the public.

Nearly $20,000 in renovations have been completed at the Carlson unit in Machensey Park. It is part of a national partnership with Aaron’s.

This is the 67th club across the country to get a makeover.

Teens will have a “safe space” with TV’s, videogames, computers and even arcade machines.

The director of the club said the teens were able to design the space themselves.

“I think what makes this so special… is the teens were involved. The teens came up with what items they wanted from Aaron’s, and the color schemes, and what they wanted – their vision for their club,” said Chip Stoner. “We try to teach our teens it’s their club. We want them involved and teach them how to make decisions, and now they can see some of the results of this.”

The club is holding its grand unveiling of the space on Thursday at 4:15 p.m.