YMCA expansion gets underway in St. Joseph

Spaces for the Benton Harbor-St. Joseph YMCA preschool program and its Child Watch and School Age Child Care programs will be part of a 9,000-square-foot expansion for which ground recently was broken.

An expanded weight room, larger meeting classrooms, refreshed locker rooms, new family changing locker rooms, an expanded lobby for community gatherings, and an area for parents to observe swim classes are all part of the plan.

As part of the expansion there are plans to extend parking and create an outdoor walking trail, as well.

The Benton Harbor-St. Joseph YMCA is expanding its current building in Royalton Township at the corner of Hollywood and Maiden Lane.

The YMCA is continuing to raise funds for the project. It has raised $2.5 of the $3.8 million needed to complete this project. That includes a $1 million estate gift from Frank and Grace Sink which provided the base of the funds for the campaign. A $250,000 donation from Merlin and Carolyn Hanson also has been received. Ahern expressed his gratitude for both donations.

"This expansion and renovation positions the Y to serve the next generation," says Ahern. "We couldn’t be more excited.'

Donation are being accepted online at RENEWTHEYMCA.org or by contacting Mike Ahern at 269-428-9622. Ahern may also be contacted by email here to make a pledge. All gifts are tax-deductible.

Source: Cornerstone Chamber of Commerce
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