CLEARFIELD – A project nearly 10 years in the making is beginning to take shape in downtown Clearfield. On Thursday, members of the community and community leaders gathered to take the next step in the Clearfield YMCA expansion/renovation project: the groundbreaking.
Prior to the speakers taking the mic, those gathered were entertained by the Clearfield Area High School Jazz Band.
Don Herres, the YMCA’s director, said the groundwork for the project was laid in 1999. He thanked everyone present, his board, and past board members for their help in getting the project off the ground.
“This facility served our generations well in the past,” said Herres. “But is worn out and small by today’s standards.”
He noted that the pool and gymnasium are from the 1920s; meeting rooms had been turned into daycare areas and that workout equipment was in the lobby.
Herres indicated there was some skepticism by some in the community when the idea was first presented. Herres then quoted Winston Churchill: “Never, never, never give up.”
Mark Breakey, executive vice-president of CNB Bank and YMCA board member was the next to speak. He also thanked the community.
“Collectively, this town has come together to raise $5 million for this YMCA,” said Breakey. “We’ve had an extraordinary effort and an extraordinary success.”
C. Alan Walker was next up gave those gathered a quick history of the Clearfield YMCA. It began in 1901 in the Weaver House and its purpose was to provide recreational activities to the youth moving to what was a booming, industrial town. In 1921, the YMCA added a pool, the first indoor pool in Clearfield.
“That’s where most people, including me, learned to swim,” said Walker.
He also touched on the stock market crash of 1929 and the Great Depression and the effects they had on the area. He noted that the YMCA survived, and even survived a fire in 1959. He said that after the fire community leaders came together and the YMCA was rebuilt.
He also discussed the Vision 2020 organization, and their goal to save the community and turn it around. Studies were done and action was taken. As part of the Clearfield YMCA’s renaissance, the Vision 2020 group met with Sen. and Lt. Gov. Joseph Scarnati. Walker said Scarnati was behind the project and that the senator obtained two R-Cap grants to help.
“This new YMCA we’re breaking ground for today would only have been a dream without his efforts,” said Walker.
“When I looked at this project, I said this is what we should be investing in, in Harrisburg, reinventing downtowns,” commented Scarnati. “Clearfield has pulled together. This is an example of pulling together.”
“Clearfield will have a great renaissance,” said Scarnati. “This is part of the plan to reach this goal.”
While Scarnati was praising the Clearfield community for coming together, he also praised the students for their musical talents. “You’ve got a fantastic band here in Clearfield.”
Prior to closing the ceremonies, Herres noted that the fund drive was about $500,000 short as of Wednesday. He said that $200,000 was donated on Thursday, and as an added bonus, the Clearfield County Commissioners pledged $10,000. Commissioner Chair John Sobel said after the groundbreaking that the commissioners are very pleased to see the Y expansion project move forward.
