November 21, 2025 |

Photo – Town of Saratoga Logo – Courtesy of the Town of Saratoga

The Town of Saratoga is moving closer to establishing a joint Boys and Girls Club and municipal recreation center.

During Wednesday’s Saratoga Town Council meeting, the governing body agreed to sign Resolution 2025‑07, a declaration of support for the proposed recreation center and Boys and Girls Club of the Platte Valley. The measure lets the Boys and Girls Club of Central Wyoming look at town land on West Elm Avenue for a possible recreation center. The Council also agreed to start talks with the group to build the facility.

The idea for a new recreation center can be traced back to 2022, when Saratoga attorney Nick Haderlie suggested constructing an indoor aquatic center. When the plan proved unfeasible due to high operating costs, Haderlie set the project aside.

A local resident with ties to the Boys and Girls Club of Central Wyoming then connected the organization with Haderlie to pursue a recreation center instead.

The proposed $15.5 million facility would serve as a joint Boys and Girls Club and Saratoga recreation center, moving the town’s athletics programs from the Platte Valley Community Center to the newly constructed gymnasium. The project is expected to be funded primarily through donations and grants. Haderlie reported that Silver Spur Ranch owner John Malone has already pledged $6 million.

During the November 19th Saratoga Town Council meeting, Haderlie and Boys and Girls Club of Central Wyoming CEO Ashley Bright outlined their plans for the recreation facility. Haderlie said in-person interviews appear to show that residents support establishing a Boys and Girls Club in town.

However, such a large-scale project will present some challenges. Haderlie said that during resident interviews, respondents raised concerns about staffing, ongoing philanthropic support, and participation.

Boys and Girls Club of Central Wyoming estimates that 250 young people will utilize the facility. Later in the meeting, Mayor Chuck Davis questioned how the organization obtained those numbers. CEO Ashley Bright explained that the Club in Dubois, which serves a population similar to Saratoga, sees between 75 and 100 participants. Bright added that he expects children from outside Saratoga to also attend the Platte Valley Club.

Haderlie said that the Boys and Girls Club of Central Wyoming Board of Directors already approved the project and asked the town to adopt a resolution granting representatives access to the site for initial studies. He added that by signing the resolution, the town would be formally committing its support. Haderlie said only with official backing can the Club finalize the details needed to build and operate the Saratoga facility.

Councilman Jerry Fluty asked who would run the facility.

Boys and Girls Club of Central Wyoming CEO Bright said his organization would oversee a local board of directors.

Haderlie said the plan is for the Boys and Girls Club of Central Wyoming to enter into a lease with the town to build and operate the gymnasium.

Haderlie said that the ideal solution would be for the town to lease a portion of the building from the Club to use as a recreation center.

The Saratoga Town Council unanimously voted to sign Resolution 2025‑07 in support of the proposed recreation center and Boys and Girls Club of the Platte Valley. A formal lease agreement for the Elm Avenue property will be presented during a future Council meeting.

The post Town of Saratoga Moves Forward with Joint Boys & Girls Club/Municipal Rec Center first appeared on Bigfoot 99 Radio.