Written By Tanya Terry, with photos by Tanya Terry
Speakers and attendees of the Berston Next100 Groundbreaking were thrilled to see shovels in the ground as they anxiously anticipate a $30 million expansion to Berston Fieldhouse. The fieldhouse, located in north Flint, was built 100 years ago! On Wednesday, October 25, construction of a brand-new, state-of-the-art gymnasium, complete with high-quality basketball courts and an elevated track was discussed to an amazed audience. The facility will also feature dedicated spaces for a boxing gym, art and music rooms, dance studios, a bike room, locker rooms and a spacious community room.
Recently acquired land surrounding Berston will allow for all-new outdoor basketball and pickleball courts, a softball diamond, and football, soccer and lacrosse fields. An amphitheater for outdoor performances and a kids’ splashpad will bring more options for activity to the campus. A children’s playground and much-needed new parking lots are also planned.
Interim Executive Director of Berston Valorie Horton said she was excited to see so many people, and particularly the young people, from the area there for such an important day for the community.
Master of ceremony was Friends of Berston member Alvern Lock, and Pastor Moses Bingham of Damascus Holy Life Baptist Church gave the invocation.
Bingham asked for a moment of silence for the now deceased Bryant “B.B.” Nolden and Sheila Miller-Graham, whom he referred to as “giants” because of the impact they had in the Flint community.
President and CEO of the Charles Stewart Mott Foundation Ridgway White told celebration attendees the Charles Stewart Mott Foundation had embarked on a series of listening sessions.
“And the things we heard over and over again was the value and power of community centers,” White stated.
Over $14 million had been raised as part of an ongoing capital campaign for the expansion project, including $10 million in grant support from the Charles Stewart Mott Foundation and $1.5 million from the City of Flint through its American Rescue Plan funds.
White announced at the groundbreaking the Charles Stewart Mott Foundation would match up to an additional $5 million, dollar for dollar.
Governor Gretchen Whitmer was in attendance and called Berston “legendary ground.” She noted Claressa Shields “perfected her punches” at Berston, and that the center helped birth basketball stars and had been a training place for Olympians.
Whitmer said she would be in discussion with the Legislature about how the state could help support the spectacular expansion.
President of the Ruth Mott Foundation Raquel Thueme said the Ruth Mott Foundation was not the biggest funder for the project, but noted the organization was the first funder. At sessions aimed at listening to the community, including one held at Berston, Thueme said the Ruth Mott Foundation learned youth, safety, economic opportunity and neighborhoods matter to community members.
Johnell Allen-Bey and Percy Glover spoke representing the Genesee County Sheriff’s Department, offering the department’s support for the next 100 years and to future generations.
Barry June, director of the Genesee County Parks, stated that Genesee County Parks was proud to be a partner in the Berston Park and Fieldhouse Restoration-Expansion Project.
Commissioner Delrico Loyd of the Genesee County Board of Commissioners stated the Board of Commissioners was already discussing how they may be able to locate additional resources to support the new facility.
Mayor Sheldon Neeley said athletics teaches young people skills that are needed more in this community.
“I’m going to set up a resolution for another million dollars to City Council,” stated Neeley.
He added the million would turn into $2 million because of the agreement from The Charles Stewart Mott Foundation to match up to $5 million, pending the agreement of the Flint City Council.
Flint City Councilman Quincy Murphy and Councilwomen Ladel Lewis and Jerri Winfrey-Carter and were present. Murphy called being at the groundbreaking “emotional,” having talked to Nolden often.
Lock pointed out donations towards the renovation and restoration project of all sizes would be accepted.
According to Horton, the board of directors, staff, community leaders, and countless others have been working behind the scenes for at least five years to prepare for the groundbreaking and make the expansion a reality.
The first phase of the project is expected to take up to eighteen months, resulting in a stunning 57,000-square-foot addition. Phase two will focus on the renovation of the current building and will consist of upgrades to both existing gymnasiums and a conference room.
