WFHB Bloomington Community Radio
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After 18 months of construction, the northwest Bloomington YMCA will have an open tour Sunday afternoon. This is the second YMCA facility in the city. In addition to the usual sports facilities for individuals and families, the new building will also include a licensed child care center.
It will also provide medical services, in collaboration with IU Health Orthopedics & Sports Medicine. Sara Herold, marketing director for Monroe County YMCA, says the new facilities will not be ready for use during the tour.
“We’re banding together to provide facilities and programs that allow people to become healthier,” Herold says, “I just think this is an extraordinary opportunity for the community to come together and see what the new YMCA has to offer.
YMCA has been in Bloomington since the late 1800’s, when it was a student organization. In the 1970’s it began offering swim lessons and fitness classes throughout the town. It wasn’t until 1981 that the first facility was built, on the southeast side of town. Herold says they appreciate the support the community offers them, especially as a nonprofit organization.
“We’re committed to providing safe places and a positive alternatives for children and families to become healthy,” Herold says, “We want to teach sound nutrition and our goal is to make a stronger community by making a healthier community.”
It is estimated that more than 6,700 individuals will benefit from the northwest YMCA. Approximately 80 part-time and full-time jobs will be created because of the new facility.
