For Hub City Times

SPENCER — The Spencer area is welcoming a new membership-based organization to the community.

The Spencer Community Boosters (SCB) group was formed by citizens that saw a need for fundraising opportunities and a rekindled sense of community. Starting in 2016, SCB will facilitate the activities held at the ARC Park at 502 N. Lasalle St. in Spencer.

SCB has identified several needs at the park. Upgrades to the playground equipment and concession stand are required, and within the community several organizations need help raising money, such as youth groups for trips and equipment.

In addition, the Spencer community has very limited facilities that offer workout space, places to walk indoors during the winter months, or a venue for large events. The biggest issue is that gym space within the school is not adequate for offering practice times for youth sports.

Each of the SCB members has children involved in youth sports, noticed the lack of space available, and wanted to do something about it. The mission of this group ultimately is to build a community center for all to use.

Proceeds from the different events to be held — as well as the items sold at the concession stands — will be donated entirely to the betterment of the community. The organization will be running both adult and youth sports leagues in addition to several events at the ARC Park and in the Spencer area:

—Rec league youth baseball on Sundays starting in June for third to sixth grade boys and girls will be at the ARC Park.

—T-ball on Mondays begins in June for children entering kindergarten through second grade at the Spencer School Softball Field.

—Wednesday night adult kickball league starts the first week in May at the ARC Park.

—Thursday night men’s softball also starts the first week in May at the ARC Park.

—On April 16 SCB will be hosting  Express Yourself Weekend at the Spencer Kids Group Hall, located at 117 E. Clark St. in Spencer. This will include canvas painting, scrapbooking, and other activities. Check out “Spencer Community Boosters” on Facebook to learn more, or email [email protected] to register.

—Also, SCB will host a kickball tournament on June 18 and the Brad Bauer Tournament from Aug. 19-21, both at the ARC Park. Each event will have entertainment, food, and prizes. Registration information will be posted on Facebook and advertised in local papers.