–by Jennifer Alexander Ruple
The YMCA of Greater Toledo has announced plans for a $10 million expansion to the Sylvania YMCA/JCC facility, 6465 Sylvania Ave. The project will more than double the size of the current facility to 60,000 square feet.
A large portion of the expansion is earmarked for an all-new indoor family aquatics center with water toys and an area dedicated to swimming lessons and therapy. The fitness and wellness space will double in size and be furnished with new, state-of-the-art equipment. In addition, a new multi-purpose space will be available for youth, adults and seniors, as well as community needs.
The organization plans to modernize the facility’s existing spaces including the gym, locker rooms and outdoor pool. The expanded facility will also include exclusive space for community partners, both public and nonprofit. The YMCA/JCC plans to announce several of these new partnerships in the months ahead. These will build on the YMCA’s longstanding relationship with the Jewish Federation of Greater Toledo and the Y’s 20-year tradition of serving Sylvania.
“The YMCA believes in the power of working with others,” said Brad Toft, president and CEO of the YMCA of Greater Toledo. “For this reason, we have proactively visited with several public, private and nonprofit community organizations to join this one-of-a-kind effort, and we will continue to do so.”
Planning for this expansion began in 2016 and involved a facility feasibility study, community needs assessment, market research study, operations assessment, community forums and a fundraising study with potential major donors. “A major project like this does not happen overnight. This has been a culmination of a five-year strategic process involving many community stakeholders,” Toft added.
The expansion is being funded through charitable contributions, with 50 percent of the Sylvania capital dollars raised to date. “The support from community partners and donors has been tremendous. It’s inspiring for us to see the understanding of our impact on the community and the Y’s potential to do even more,” Toft stated.
Pending the achievement of fundraising milestones, construction on the expanded YMCA/JCC facility will begin in early 2022. The Y has selected The Collaborative as project architect and Rudolph Libbe as the general contractor, both of which are based in Greater Toledo.
The Sylvania YMCA/JCC expansion is part of a $31.6 million comprehensive capital campaign across the YMCA’s entire association. To date, more than $12.5 million has been secured. Additional YMCA locations to receive major capital improvements include: Wayman D. Palmer Community YMCA, Wolf Creek YMCA, Eastern Community YMCA and YMCA Storer Camps.
“The support from community partners and donors has been tremendous. It’s inspiring for us to see the understanding of our impact on the community and the Y’s potential to do even more,” Toft stated.
Pending the achievement of fundraising milestones, construction on the expanded YMCA/JCC facility will begin in early 2022. The Y has selected The Collaborative as project architect and Rudolph Libbe as the general contractor, both of which are based in Greater Toledo.
The Sylvania YMCA/JCC expansion is part of a $31.6 million comprehensive capital campaign across the YMCA’s entire association. To date, more than $12.5 million has been secured. Additional YMCA locations to receive major capital improvements include: Wayman D. Palmer Community YMCA, Wolf Creek YMCA, Eastern Community YMCA and YMCA Storer Camps.