A Sign of Progress at the Y
Chatham, Ontario, August 16, 2010 – The YMCA of Chatham-Kent announces a new addition to its King Street West facility; a for sale sign. A sign announcing the sale of the YMCA King Street facility and adjoining properties was erected on Friday August 13, 2010. “Listing our current YMCA properties for sale is the next major step forward as we prepare for the opening of our new YMCA on Grand Avenue West,” says Kim Bentley-MacDonald, YMCA General Manager. “We’re excited to move, yet sad to be leaving our facility that has served this neighborhood and our community for so long. The new YMCA will better serve the needs of Chatham-Kent residents by offering all of the facilities traditionally expected of the Y, while adding exciting new programming, day camps, meeting space, employment programs and many other resources,” says Bentley-MacDonald.
The YMCA’s King Street property, a former lumber yard, became the home of the YMCA in 1962. The facility was created through the generous support of community donors whose financial gifts enabled the YMCA to serve many generations of Chatham-Kent residents. Today a similar effort is underway to renew the YMCA of Chatham-Kent. Dedicated volunteers and donors are giving their time and money to support the campaign for the new YMCA. Financial contributions by the Federal, Provincial and Municipal governments have also supported the project.
Jim Janzen, YMCA CEO reflected on the King Street YMCA. “This YMCA facility has been a centre of community for almost 50 years, but it no longer meets the needs of the growing community. We respect the investments of donors, volunteers and staff in this wonderful old building and look forward to renewing and increasing our service to Chatham-Kent at the new Y in 2011.”
The YMCA’s King Street property is a 2.7 acre site located on the banks of the Thames River. The new 44,000 square foot YMCA facility will feature a 25 metre 6 lane lap pool and a warm water leisure therapy pool, gymnasium, fitness and wellness areas and community space. The property is offered for sale through Brian Peifer of Royal Lepage Peifer Realty of Chatham. More information and construction photos of the YMCA’s new Grand Avenue West facility can be viewed at www.buildingournewy.com
