March 29, 2024

Barlow Aquatic Center Opens At Camp Ramsbottom

Boys & Girls Club of Pawtucket’s Camp Ramsbottom celebrates dedication and ribbon cutting of the Barlow Aquatic Center, gift of Edward “Ned” Barlow

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The Boys & Girls Club of Pawtucket, along with friends, supporters, and family, celebrated the dedication and ribbon cutting ceremony of the Barlow Aquatic Center at Camp Ramsbottom in Rehoboth, Mass. on Sunday, June 24th.

The ceremony celebrated the legacy of Ned Barlow, who was a longtime member of the Club’s Board of Directors and Board President for 20 years. The grand opening of the Barlow Aquatic Center culminated with the ribbon cutting for Camp Ramsbottom’s completely renovated pool, a project completed thanks to the Barlows’ generous bequest. Following the ribbon cutting, the pool was officially opened with a “ceremonial cannonball” from Boys & Girls Club of Pawtucket members and campers. The pool was also open for swimming.
Guests enjoyed tours of Camp Ramsbottom and remarks from Robert Barlow, Ned Barlow’s brother, and James Hoyt Jr., Club CEO. During his remarks, Jim thanked the Barlow family for their ongoing support and said “a bequest like this is something that an organization only dreams of, and we are deeply humbled by the Barlows’ generosity and also their trust in this organization. Their gift is truly transformational and will have a lasting impact on thousands of Club members and campers, both now and in the future.”

This spring, the Boys & Girls Club of Pawtucket, received a $5.1 million bequest from the estate of longtime Club benefactors, Edward W. “Ned” and Eleanor F. Barlow. The bequest was the largest single philanthropic gift in the Club’s 118-year history. Ned, who passed away in 2010, and Eleanor, in 2016, were deeply committed to the organization’s mission, investing generously in the Club and serving as leaders and visionaries. Although the Barlows did not have children of their own, over the years, their generosity has created hope and opportunity for thousands and thousands of youth.

Ned was committed to continuing his uncle, George R. Ramsbottom’s, legacy. Mr. Ramsbottom generously donated the original 65 acres of the scenic 167-acre property in Rehoboth, Massachusetts known today as Camp Ramsbottom that the Boys & Girls Club of Pawtucket has operated for more than 50 years and which serves up to 1,000 children each day during the summer.

In 2015, the Boys & Girls Club of Pawtucket opened the doors to its newly renovated and expanded Clubhouse, located at One Moeller Place in Pawtucket. The Building Better Futures Project renovated the existing 42,000 sq. ft. building and added a state-of-the-art 18,000 sq. ft. addition including a teen center and gymnasium, doubling the space dedicated to teens. Notably, dedicated space for the visual and performing arts was also added. Through the Club’s Building Better Futures Capital & Endowment Campaign, $8 million was raised to support the project, which left just under $1 million to be financed. While the majority of the Barlow’s bequest is restricted to use at Camp Ramsbottom, a portion of the gift has generosity allowed the Club to pay off the mortgage left from this project. The remaining use of the Camp funds is currently under consideration.

About the Boys & Girls Club of Pawtucket
The Boys & Girls Club of Pawtucket has been changing and saving lives since 1900. With a membership of thousands of youth from Pawtucket, Central Falls, and beyond, the Club’s mission is to inspire and enable young people, especially those with greatest need, to realize their full potential as healthy, productive, responsible and caring citizens. Members achieve success through programs within the Club’s priority areas of: academic success, confident self-expression through the arts, good character and citizenship, and healthy lifestyles. Charitable donations help the Club’s mission of enhancing the lives of youth and families and providing hope for the future. More information can be found by calling 401.722.8840, or by visiting www.bgcpawt.org, www.facebook.com/bgcpawt or www.twitter.com/bgcpawt.

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