MANSFIELD, Feb. 9, 2023 – The recently announced YMCA Sports Complex near the I-71 and State Route 97 interchange is off to a good start. The YMCA of North Central Ohio has received its first major donation for $1 million from a local family foundation.
Another first, Nickel and Bean coffee shop of Lexington is the first business to lease space in the sports complex building, which is expected to be built in 2024 and open in 2025.
The Ashland County Community Foundation represents the anonymous donor who pledged the $1 million gift to help create the 100,000-square-foot sports complex building. It will feature a fitness center, arcade, soccer fields, walking track, volleyball, basketball and pickle ball. Outside, there will be seven outdoor soccer fields, pavilions, and a walking trail.
“The Ashland County Community Foundation is privileged to hold the assets of a prominent Richland County family foundation which has pledged $1 million of support to jumpstart this important project,” said James M. Cutright, Foundation President and CEO.
The YMCA is seeking $22 million in public and private donations for this investment in the north central Ohio community, which, in terms of cost, will be the largest investment for a non-profit organization in the area.
“We know that many individuals of all ages, in a multi-county region, will benefit from the recreational and educational resources this facility will provide. We’re pleased we could facilitate this generous gift on behalf of our donor,” said the Ashland foundation’s Cutright.
“The Y’s mission is to create opportunities where all people, especially youth, are encouraged to develop their fullest potential in mind, body and spirit,” said Cristen Gilbert,
CEO, YMCA of North Central Ohio. “An investment in this project is an investment in our children.
“We’re so pleased with this generous donation from the Ashland County Community Foundation and believe this is the first step in making this sports complex a reality,” Gilbert said.
Several specially-designated spaces inside the sports complex building will be available for lease, and the first business to be invited to join the Y in this venture is Nickel and Bean coffee shop at 27 E. Main St., Lexington.
“Almost four years ago, we set out as a family to start a coffee shop in Lexington to fill that need in our hometown,” said Nicky Wong who with his wife, Shellie Webster Wong, is one of the business’ owners and manager of the Lexington shop. The Lexington location for Nickel and Bean will remain as the coffee enterprise expands to the new Y branch at 71 and 97.
“We had a vision of creating a space that embodies history and small-town roots,” Wong said.” Nickel and Bean is located in a restored Lexington building that is one of the village’s oldest. “It’s a place to share stories and laughter, while embracing progress and growth,” he said.
Lexington natives Stacie Webster Elkhoury and her brother, Dr. Stephen Webster, are Nickel and Bean partners with the Wongs. They are Shellie Wong’s siblings.
“This is such an incredible privilege to announce our alliance with the YMCA of NCO and its newest commitment to the area,” Elkhoury said. “We are honored to share space with an organization that so closely holds the same traditions and family values as we do,” she said, adding that Nickel and Bean’s owners appreciate the opportunity “to grow and serve our local, regional, and state communities.”
For more information or to provide financial support to the YMCA’s sports complex, contact Chriss Harris at chrissharris@embarqmail.com or YMCA Marketing-Development Director Sara Baker at sbaker@ymcanco.org. More information on the YMCA Sports Complex can be found on the Y’s website at www.ymcanco.org/sports-complex.
About the YMCA of North Central Ohio
The YMCA of North Central Ohio is building a community where all people, especially youth, are encouraged to develop their fullest potential in mind, body and spirit. Every day, the YMCA staff works side-by-side with its neighbors to make sure everyone can learn, grow, and thrive.
The Y was established in Mansfield in 1867 and, at that time, was an organization of men. In 1956, the previous facility on Park Avenue West near downtown Mansfield opened its doors to both women and men, with a focus on families. A capital campaign was kicked off in 1998 to construct the current
larger facility off Lexington Avenue to offer additional services that meet the ever-changing needs of the growing communities it serves.
Over the years, programs have been developed to help with childcare, teens, older adults and those with disabilities to embody the mission of the YMCA of North Central Ohio. In 2017, the Y celebrated its 150th anniversary with a successful $1.5 million campaign to renovate the parking lot and gymnasium, as well as create the popular community splash pad.
The YMCA will continue to grow to meet the critical needs of Richland County residents with the purpose of building strong children, strong families and strong communities through caring, honesty, respect and responsibility.