Our program for the day was a tour of the new Downtown YMCA facilities. Again, I encourage you to visit our Club's Facebook page to see the photos.
Amy Albright introduced Tom Blaze and Lester, who would join her in leading tours.
A few quick statistics about the Oshkosh YMCA. The new Downtown Y has a total of 77,500 square feet, with 50,000 of those new and 22,500 remodeled during this renovation. In contrast, the 20th Street Y has 160,000 sq. ft, including the indoor ice rink, soccer field, and gymnasium.
Tom Blaze said that discussion about renovating the Downtown Y began 6 years ago as the Y team began to describe the vision they had for the facility. In this renovation, the Y felt it was very important to keep the community feel that the Downtown Y has always had. So far $12 million has been raised to cover the costs, but more funds are still needed to complete the financing.
Following Tom's introduction, Tom, Lester, and Amy each took groups of Rotarians throughout the facility. There was total agreement that this is a beautiful new facility! Phase I is to open next Thursday, July 13, with Phase II to be completed in the November to December timeframe. You will definitely want to visit this facility.