Now open for the kids
Chamber, supporters celebrate The Garage’s ribbon cutting
By JESSICA BRICKER WITH THE NEWS BANNER
A longtime auto repair shop in downtown Bluffton has officially been repurposed.
Pastor Arley Higginbotham called The Garage the culmination of years of work.
He had a vision to provide the community’s youth a place to hang out. Little did he know, when Rick King bought the former Deck’s Service building for the use of the adjacent Moose Lodge, King wanted to provide a place for local children too.
The idea for the youth center was born. On Tuesday, the completed project was celebrated by community members and supporters.
Its targeted ages are older middle school students and high schoolers, Higginbotham said.
The space features a cafe, a game room and a space for live music.
A former tire shop, the space needed cleaned up. Many people jumped in to help, Higginbotham and King shared with those in attendance at the center’s official ribbon cutting ceremony.
While it’s the brainchild of Higginbotham, King and music director Dennis Wood, it is also the product of donations from community members and the support from groups such as the Moose membership, Bluffton NOW, and local churches.
Everything within the center — from the electronics to the games — has been donated.
“Honestly, it’s unbelievable to see you all here,” King said. “I appreciate all of you.”
