After years of planning and construction, the Royce and Melba Roberts Boys & Girls Club campus was officially christened in Kenai on Friday, ushering in a new era of opportunity for youth and families across the central peninsula.
The ribbon-cutting ceremony, attended by community members, local officials, and board leaders, celebrated the long-anticipated launch of the gym, childcare center, and commercial kitchen facilities. The new main clubhouse is slated to open in August.
“This has been years in the making,” said Jeff Dolifka, President of the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Kenai Peninsula Board of Directors. “It’s hard to put into words what it means to finally see it open. There were times this campus felt like a dream—and now it’s real.”
The new facility is part of the organization’s “Dream Builders for Youth” campaign, which continues to accept support from donors, whose names will be recognized on the Friends & Family and Donor Wall. The campaign emphasizes lasting impact on area youth, providing not just recreation, but safe, high-quality childcare, education space, and rental opportunities to help sustain operations.
“This isn’t just a gym or a daycare—it’s a cradle-to-career investment in our kids,” Dolifka said. “It doesn’t matter who you are or what your income is. This space is for everyone.”
Dolifka acknowledged the project has been a five-year focused effort, but one that has its roots in discussions dating back nearly 30 years. The goal, he said, was not only to build a world-class facility but to reshape the perception of the Kenai Peninsula as a place where young people can thrive—and stay.
“There was a time when people talked about this area becoming a retirement community. But projects like this and the new Soldotna Field House say otherwise,” he said. “We want our youth to grow up here, go to college, and want to come back.”
Financial sustainability was built into the campus design. The gym, kitchen, and future clubhouse will be available for public rental, creating revenue to support ongoing operations alongside program fees and childcare income.
Dolifka reflected on the journey, noting that when he started this project, he didn’t yet have children of his own.
“Today, my kids are here,” he said. “And they’ll grow up with this place. That’s what it’s all about.”
The new Boys & Girls Clubs of the Kenai Peninsula clubhouse is set to open in August.
