CLEARFIELD – By this time next year Clearfield will have a state-of-the-art YMCA to meet the needs of the community. The Y project will also begin the transformation and revitalization of the downtown. Don Herres, who is the CEO of the YMCA, said construction of the 35,000 foot expansion has been a dream for many years. “So many people, from the Board of Directors, Y members, to individuals in the community have worked together to make this dream possible; it’s rewarding to finally see the dream become a reality. I am honored to have played an active role in the expansion for our community.”
The YMCA’s expansion will include a competition swimming pool, regulation size gymnasium, new men’s and women’s locker room, lobby with a community meeting room and an elevator. Herres explained the new facilities will replace cramped, antiquated, smaller sized venues. “They will yield much needed program space. The pool will allow us to once again host swim meets at the Y and provide extensive swim instruction and lifeguard training. The gymnasium will double the space for youth, teens, and adults to play basketball, volleyball and it will also allow for expanded leagues and tournaments. A new street level entrance into the lobby with a community room and an elevator will make access to the Y easy for everyone.”
The support for this project came from donations from individuals and local businesses totaling $1.8 million as well as a grant from the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development for $198,000. In addition to this the Y has received a Redevelopment Assistance Capital Project (RACP) grant from the State of Pennsylvania in the amount of $2.5 million. Herres explained that this RACP grant needs to be matched dollar for dollar to receive the entire grant. Combining the $1.8 million and the $198,000 towards the match the YMCA needs an additional $502,000 to match the RACP grant. A small group of volunteers has begun a six week capital campaign to raise the remaining $502,000 to match the RACP grant. Anyone interested in contributing to the new YMCA project can contact Don Herres at 814-765-5521.
The Clearfield YMCA has been serving the community for more than 108 years with programs and services to meet the health and social needs of youth, adults, families and seniors throughout the area. The YMCA offers scholarships to people each year, regardless of their ability to pay, so that everyone can take part in the services offered. The YMCA brings together young and old, men and women, people of all faiths, backgrounds and incomes. The expanded YMCA will serve the community for years to come.
KTH Architects has provided the plans and documents and Leonard Fiore, Inc. will be the general contractor on the project. A groundbreaking ceremony is being planned for May 27 at 11:00 a.m. at the Clearfield YMCA.