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Date: 12/5/2023
LUDLOW — On Nov. 27, state Sen. Jake Oliveira (D-Ludlow) visited the Ludlow Community Center/Randall Boys and Girls Club to present a check for $35,000 for new bleachers in the gymnasium.
Oliveira said, “I am so pleased to help the Ludlow Boys and Girls Club, but this is a very unique place because it is not just a Boys and Girls Club, it is also a community center. It is so nice to see so many people from the town of Ludlow who come out.”
Oliveira explained that the Boys and Girls Club used to be located by Ludlow Bridge connecting to Indian Orchard but the town decided to build the new current building 20 years ago.
He added, “I still think of it as a new building but after 20 years there is a lot of wear and tear that goes on in a building and the old bleachers were something that kind of fell into a little bit of disrepair. They were kind of getting broken so what we were able to do is through last year’s budget, [state Rep. Aaron] Saunders [D-Belchertown] and I advocated for new bleachers.”
Oliveira was joined by students from the club’s preschool program and representatives from the Boys and Girls club including President and CEO Josue Irizarry.
Irizarry said that the project took three days to complete, and the old wooden bleachers have already been replaced with new plastic, Americans with Disabilities Act-compliant bleachers.
“It was very exciting to hear about and receive this money. It is a special thanks to Sen. Oliveira and Rep. Saunders for securing the funding to have new bleachers. We serve over 1,000 children here. Not just children we also serve adults that play pickleball here, we have an adult league. We also have basketball games and other events here,” Irizarry added.
According to Irizarry, the money for the bleachers will add a more enjoyable viewing experience for guests and fans viewing the game of event taking place.
He said, “This money we received brought in new bleachers where guests get to sit, relax and enjoy from some beautiful bleachers here at the club so we thank everyone who helped secure the funds and we hope everyone enjoys.”
Olivera added, “These bleachers are important because the gym as we all know is a place for basketball games, community events. Just a couple weeks ago we celebrated Red Ribbon Week, and everyone was on the bleachers, so we wanted something that was nice, good and safe for everyone to use.”