'That's our future' | West Louisville community center gets needed upgrades | Community events

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- One west Louisville community center has undergone a $600,000 transformation designed to be a safe destination where kids can be kids.

Upgrades include a freshly painted gym, new TVs, opened-up walls, and more video games at the Parkland Boys & Girls Club.

On Monday afternoon, there was a ribbon-cutting inside the gym to celebrate the renovation.

The program director, Kentrel Duncan, said around 90 kids come to the center daily, and with the new technology, he's noticing an increase.

"Just a week ago, we only had about ten kids in that room," Duncan said. "And so getting these video games getting these TV's up, those are bringing kids off the streets, and they're coming here."

Less than a decade ago, Duncan was a kid in the neighborhood who wanted somewhere to hang out. Now, he's one of the leaders.

"You're not gonna come here and be bored," Duncan said.

Boys & Girls Club of Kentuckiana President and CEO Daryle Unseld has helped oversee upgrades to other locations, which include new furniture, window replacements, and more.

The Parkland location just started holding self-defense classes.

"This is where young people get exposed to programs that they never would've been exposed to if they didn't come to the Club," Unseld said.

He sees each club as a safe space from a violent reality that's impacting kids in every corner of the city.

"Last year we had 60 youth murders. And nobody wants to be proud of that," Unseld said. "We are at a point in our city where we need more destinations for young people."

Another destination on the way is the Parkland Library, which is undergoing renovations after being closed for more than 35 years.

Cary Goff Senior grew up in west Louisville, and now lives right by the library.

"Well overdue. Well overdue is all I got to say," Goff said.

Goff grew up going to the Boys & Girls Club in Shawnee.

"I had gotten in trouble when I was young, but it kept me out of a lot of trouble. It definitely did," Goff said. "We had those type of mentors that really cared about you."

Duncan said those mentors are why he has ascended from student to leader at the club.

"You know that they need guiding, and when you see that in them, it's like 'I gotta be here,'" Duncan said.

Goff is excited to see upgrades across the neighborhood, but said investments need to come with a sense of community.

"It is about love, and it's about us getting back to being neighbors," Goff said.