B-Optimist Club Gains Approval to Use Former Kingdom Center in DeRidder

DERIDDER, La. (KPLC) - A former community space in DeRidder is getting a second life. City leaders approved a plan to lease the former Kingdom Center building to a youth organization, but the decision wasn’t unanimous.

The DeRidder City Council approved a cooperative agreement that allows the B-Optimist Club of DeRidder to lease a city-owned building for youth programs called the JOI Community Youth Center (CYC).

DeRidder Mayor Michael Harris shares that he noticed questions were not consistently asked of all organizations that showed interest in the building, but that didn’t stop the B-Optimist club members from putting together a detailed plan to answer all questions asked by the council.

“I try to do everything above board and do everything fairly. We had a meeting, and questions were asked about how we would utilize the space. We would allow oversight every three months, every quarter,” Harris said.

Harris went on to say he was very impressed by the B-Optimist Club’s ability to answer the council’s questions, saying the club presented a “very beautiful plan.”

Not all city council members approved of the agreement.

Council President Randy Larken and Councilman at Large Danny Reynolds voted against it, voicing concerns about long-term maintenance and whether other organizations had been given the same opportunity to use the building.

Harris sought to address the concerns, stating that the organization is a non-profit entity and that the costs of electricity, water, and building maintenance fall under the organization’s responsibility, not the city’s.

“We’re not doing anything special for them that we don’t do for other organizations. We’re not giving them any funds, but we’re assisting them as they occupy this facility,” Harris said.

B-Optimist Club President-elect Stephen LeCoq and Secretary Kandace Grisham say the organization was elated when they received the news and continues to carry out its motto.

“There is a huge gap right now in the city of DeRidder, Louisiana, where we have nothing for our children, and it’s really just an honor for the City of DeRidder to have trust in B-Optimist,” Grisham said.

The B-Optimist Club says the space would allow them to expand their youth programs and create more opportunities in DeRidder for all youth to participate in. They are also open to anyone who wants to volunteer and be a part of their vision.

“The plan is to begin with a summer program and transition that during the school year into an after-school program that kids can come to. ages 5-17 and any of the local youth,” Grisham & LeCoq said.

In their plan, this is a list they plan to focus on once their doors open:

• Specialized Summer Program - The STEM to Flower Summer Program is a garden-focused, hands-on learning experience running Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. that blends science, technology, engineering, and math with real-life gardening and outdoor exploration.
• After-School Programs - including homework help, peer tutoring (in partnership with local schools), and confidence/self-love workshops.
• JOI Camp (special camps during school breaks) - structured day camps during holidays and summer to support families and provide safe, engaging activities for our youth.
• JOI Headquarters - the location will serve as the hub for JOI Club leadership development, youth community service, and mentorship opportunities.
• Educational Trips and Enrichment Activities - exposing youth to cultures, history, nature, and life skills outside the classroom
• Additional planned offerings include: financial literacy workshops, credit workshops, civic engagement workshops, and more.

City officials say that if the conditions of the agreement aren’t met, the building will return to the city.

For now, both sides agree that the goal is to transform an unused space into one that serves the community.

7News reached out to all city council members for comment, but they declined to comment.

The club provided 7News with an overview of how they plan to decorate the building and what each room will be used for:

• Main Rec Area - The main rec area will be a hub for children aged 5-12. It will feature engaging activity centers, including a life-size Lite-Brite, sensory tables with fidget toys like magnetic blocks and suction builders, and various creative play stations. This area will also be available for birthday party rentals and weekend member access. During the school year, after homework and tutoring, kids will gather here for recreation and snacks.
• Administrative and Finance Offices - The office pool will serve as the central hub for check-ins, with security systems for safety.
• Conference Room - The conference room will serve multiple purposes: a space for homework help during the school year, academic workshops and guest speakers during the summer, and a rentable space for community organizations. This room will also be a hub for club meetings and special events.
• Computer Lab - The computer lab will provide a dedicated space for homework, research, and peer tutoring. It will be a quiet, focused environment for individual and group academic support.
• Gaming Area - The gaming area will host consoles like PlayStation, Xbox, and Nintendo Switch on multiple TVs. The club will potentially create gaming leagues and limit each child to an hour and a half of playtime per visit. This ensures fair and balanced usage.
• Cinderella Closet - The second portable building will house the Cinderella Closet, a dedicated space where youth can access formal attire year-round. With over 400 donated dresses and outfits, the club says it will provide a way for kids to look their best without financial burden. The club plans to partner with local beauticians and barbers who can donate their services for haircuts and styling, creating a supportive community effort.
• Teen Rec Room - Designed for older youth, the teen rec room will feature air hockey, pool tables, and arcade-style games. The club says it will engage teens by inviting them to share their input on how the space should evolve, ensuring it meets their interests and needs.
• Garage - The garage will be transformed into an art studio, offering workshops in painting, pottery, and mixed media. The club will start with basic projects and expand as the program grows, giving kids a creative outlet and the chance to explore their artistic talents.
• Courtyard - The club will add picnic tables to the courtyard to facilitate outdoor learning and STEM projects. This open-air space will allow kids to engage with nature, participate in gardening, and enjoy hands-on educational activities.