Unfortunately, that is not the case. Most Optimist Clubs do not have their own building and they choose to meet in restaurants, libraries, churches and other public places that have inexpensive or free gathering spots.
With greater acceptance of online communities, virtual Optimist Clubs are only a breath away, I'm sure; but I have to admit that while I enjoy my online time, and I have a lot of it, I also enjoy gathering in person, with friends, and new and old acquaintances. So when I see stories like the one I found today from Dunnville, Ontario "Optimist Club raising the roof, and more", I wonder why more clubs have not made an investment in their community in the form of real property.
Boys and Girls Clubs do it. YMCAs do it. Elks Clubs do it. Some Optimist Clubs do it and do it well. Consider the multi-million dollar Optimist Youth Sports Complex developed by the Boise Noon Optimist Club and the City of Boise. With fifteen football fields, tennis courts, fishing pond, playground equpment picnic areas, concession stands and bathroom facilities, and plans to add more amenities, the Optimist Club has made a significant investment in the community and made themselves a key player in the quality of life of the Boise community.
More Optimist Clubs should do this. More service clubs should assist their communities in development and redevelopment efforts. Although small, quick and easy projects will always touch my heart best, I believe our communities would benefit from service club-driven economic development efforts. By joining together with friends to create and maintain new facilities, we share dreams, ideas and responsibility for making the world - our world - a better place to live.
Photo credit: City of Boise, Department of Parks and Recreation
