Flint Mayor Sheldon Neeley proposed the allocation after Mott Foundation President Ridgway White announced at the Oct. 25 groundbreaking ceremony for Berston Field House that the foundation will provide matching funds for all donations to the project. This leverages the City of Flint’s allocation of $1 million into $2 million.
“Berston Field House has been a powerhouse of community engagement and athletic achievement for 100 years, and it’s important for us to continue to support the renovation and expansion of this city-owned facility to secure Berston’s legacy for generations to come,” Flint Mayor Sheldon Neeley said. “Thanks to matching funds from the Mott Foundation, we have the opportunity to double the impact of ARPA dollars for this historic community center.”
$30 million is needed for site improvements, existing building remodeling, construction of a new gymnasium, furniture, equipment, and technology. The City of Flint allocation, with matching funds from the Mott Foundation, brings the total committed above $13 million.
The renovation and expansion project includes plans for an all-new gymnasium that will triple the size of Berston’s existing field house with basketball courts and an elevated track. The current field house will be completely remodeled to provide dedicated spaces for a boxing gym, art and music rooms, dance studios, a bike room, locker rooms, meeting spaces and a large community room.
Recently acquired land surrounding Berston will feature all-new outdoor basketball and pickleball courts, a softball diamond, and football/soccer/lacrosse fields. An amphitheater for outdoor performances and a splashpad (in place of Berston’s original pool) will bring more options for activity to the campus. A children’s playground and new parking lots are also planned.
