LAS CRUCES — Community leaders, elected officials, and supporters gathered April 10 to celebrate a major milestone for youth services in the region as the Boys & Girls Club of Las Cruces officially broke ground on its long-awaited new facility on El Paseo Road.
The organization has served children in the Las Cruces community since 1965, operating out of its current location in a converted church building that has limited the number of youth who can participate in programs each day. Leaders say the new building represents decades of planning and a growing need to serve more young people across Doña Ana County.
The new facility is part of the club’s “Building Great Futures” capital campaign and is designed to significantly expand capacity and programming. Once completed, the approximately 30,000-square-foot center is expected to triple the number of youth served daily, increasing participation from about 100 children to more than 300.
Project leaders estimate the total cost of the new facility at roughly $10 million to $12 million, funded through donations, grants, and community partnerships. As of early 2026, the organization had raised about $8.3 million toward the project and continues to seek additional funding to complete construction.
The Boys & Girls Club of Las Cruces focuses on providing a safe, supportive environment for young people through after-school and summer programs that promote academic success, character development, leadership skills, and healthy lifestyles. Officials say the new facility will include a gymnasium, teen center, performing arts space, STEM lab, culinary arts kitchen, and outdoor recreation areas designed to meet the needs of a growing youth population.
Club leadership emphasized that the project reflects strong community support and a shared commitment to investing in the next generation. CEO Ashley Echavarria noted that the expanded space will allow the organization to meet increasing demand for youth services and provide opportunities for children and teens to learn, grow, and build confidence in a structured setting.
Construction on the new Boys & Girls Club facility is expected to continue through the next year, with completion projected in late 2027.
Community leaders and supporters offered congratulations during the groundbreaking ceremony, recognizing the project as a major investment in the future of local youth and a positive step toward building stronger families and neighborhoods across Doña Ana County.
By John Krehbiel, Bravo Mic Communications — john@bravomic.com