Genesee County Commissioners approve $1 million in ARPA funds for Berston Field House

Flint, MI – The Genesee County Board of Commissioners have approved a $1 million allocation of American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds for the expansion and renovation of Berston Field House.

Berston Field House Executive Director Valorie Horton said at a Feb. 16 press conference that this recent contribution is substantial for Berston.

“This contribution is big. As you keep hearing, it is going to be a match. Every dime that is raised, there is a match to that dime, so the community can get involved with it,” Horton said.

As of now, there is currently an additional $3 million available in matching funds for the project.

Horton also said the contribution is especially important for the people who utilize Berston daily.

“Berston has a heartbeat,” she continued. “That’s what this building is all about, the people that come in this building every day, they donate, there’s many people that work in the building that don’t get paid a dime, there’s people that are here every day working out, or if we have an event here and need help, volunteers just raise their hands. So it’s a big deal.

During the press conference, County Commissioner Delrico Loyd said this contribution honors the legacy and work of the late former commissioner and executive director of Berston, Bryant “BB” Nolden.

“With this allocation we are not only affirming and making good on the commitment that we made as a county commissioner and as a commitment that I made as a successor to BB Nolden to continue to support the work that he’s done,” Loyd expressed. “Work that was not just in support of his dreams and ideals, but work that was in support of our youth throughout the entire county.”

Loyd said the commissioners will continue to look for additional ways to support the project.

The renovation and expansion project includes plans for a new state-of-the-art gymnasium, high-quality basketball courts, and an elevated track. The facility will also feature dedicated spaces for a boxing gym, art and music rooms, dance studios, a bike room, locker rooms, meeting spaces, and a community room.

In addition to the building renovations, recently acquired land surrounding Berston will have all-new outdoor basketball courts, pickleball courts, softball diamonds, soccer, football, and lacrosse fields, an amphitheater for concerts and outdoor performances, a splash pad, playground, and additional parking.

Horton previously told Flint Beat that the first phase of the renovation, which includes the new building and upgraded outdoor amenities, is expected to be completed around April 2025.

The second phase, which will upgrade Berston’s current gymnasiums and conference room, is expected to be done a year after the first phase is done.

This recent approval follows a previous allotment of $2.5 million from the City of Flint ARPA funds to the Berston Field House project in November 2022.

During the facility’s October 2023 groundbreaking ceremony, Mott Foundation President and CEO Ridgway White announced the Foundation would be pledging to match contributions dollar-for-dollar for up to $5 million for the project, leveraging the $1 million in ARPA funds allocation to $2 million.

The overall project renovation is estimated to cost $30 million.