Our Mission

Building on (Cultivating) Berston's legacy as a unique place for individual and community enrichment through education, athletics, the arts, and community service.

Our Vision

A recognized place of hope and achievement for the entire community.

About Berston Field House

Friends of Berston (FOB) was formed in 2014 as a non-profit, housed in the historic Berston Field house to keep the facility operational. At that time, the City of Flint was no longer financially able to keep its recreational and community centers open, due to its insolvency.

Berston Field House was built in 1923 on land donated by children of Flint land developer and philanthropist, Neil J. Berston. Mr. Berston, at the turn of the century, had the foresight to buy and transform farmland into the residential neighborhoods surrounding what is now Berston Field House. The field house was named in honor of this generous visionary, and after 94 years of existence, the building remains structurally sound as is Berston's place in the community among its patrons who range from the very young to senior citizens.

The field house is just north of downtown Flint. When initially built, Berston was a state-of-the-art field house. As stated earlier, it is still structurally sound, but in need of some renovations. Friends of Berston, through the hard work of its board of directors and its current executive director, Bryant Nolden (who initially was its volunteer director for about 6 years) secured funding from private foundations and individual donors. That funding now provides Berston Field House a paid executive director—Bryant Nolden, who has proven himself to be a dedicated administrator. The funding also provides him an executive assistant, a grant coordinator, and an events coordinator.

Friends of Berston's Mission Statement is: Enhancing the impact of Berston through quality education, athletics, the arts, and comprehensive social services. This mission is in keeping with all that Berston Field House has been in the past for the community in which it is situated. In the past, it offered a wide range of sports which included swimming—the pool was removed several years ago. It had a branch of the Flint Public Library inside, as well as a small medical clinic to assist those who were unable to afford medical services. Friends of Berston does not want to just maintain Berston for now but plans to restore it to its former glory for future generations to enjoy as well.

Currently, patrons can participate in sports, a variety of dance classes which includes senior line dance classes, arts and crafts, and even chess. Plans are in place to house a success center within the field house where patrons in need of honing their literacy skills can come for assistance. Friends of Berston truly intends to carry on the tradition of Berston Field House for all its patrons.