Photo: YMCA
MANSFIELD, June 12, 2024 - The YMCA of North Central Ohio held a groundbreaking ceremony today with local officials and community members at the new site of the YMCA Sports Complex at Interstate 71 and Ohio Route 97. The new $22 million complex, which is expected to open in the fall of 2025, will provide traditional YMCA programming with indoor and outdoor athletic fields, basketball, volleyball, pickle ball, indoor track, and an outdoor walking trail.
“Today marks a significant milestone in our commitment to promote community development, wellness, and youth engagement in Richland County and north central Ohio,” said Cristen Gilbert, CEO of the YMCA of North Central Ohio. "It’s not just another facility, it’s a state-of-the-art sports complex that combines our YMCA programming and fitness with a diverse range of activities that cater to all ages and fitness levels.”
The YMCA's capital campaign has raised $9 million after a recent $500,000 gift from the Milliron Foundation and additional donations from John and Katherine Fernyak, Ted and Heidi Sazdanoff, Park National Bank, Mechanics Bank, and others. The campaign operates in stages, with a financial goal of $12 million by mid-summer and a goal of $15 million by the end of 2024. The public campaign is now underway, and the YMCA is seeking donations from individuals, businesses, and organizations to help reach its target.
“We are humbled by the generosity of our donors, partners, and supporters for what we have received so far, and we are confident that we can achieve our goals with the help of our community," said Gilbert. "This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to transform our region. We are asking the public to help financially support this mission. Together, we can make a difference for our children and our future."
Earlier this year the YMCA hired Dante Washington, a former Olympian and professional soccer player, as the business consultant for the new complex. Washington, an Olympian who played for the Columbus Crew and the U.S. national team, is helping to oversee the planning, development, and operations of the complex, as well as the soccer programming and partnerships.
Gifts to the Y Sports Complex may be mailed to: YMCA Project, YMCA of NCO, 750 Scholl Road, Mansfield, 44907 or made online at www.ymcanco.org. More information, including a new animation video about the YMCA's project, is also available on this site.
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 staff works side-by-side with its neighbors to make sure everyone, regardless of age, income, or background, can learn, grow, and thrive.
The Y was established in Mansfield in 1867 and at that time, was an organization for 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. The current larger facility off Lexington Avenue, built in 1999, offers many 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.
In 2022, Mansfield industrialist Jim Gorman, who passed away recently, donated 35 acres of land to the Y for its sports branch and athletic fields at Interstate 71 and Ohio Route 97.
The YMCA will continue to grow to meet the critical needs of Richland County residents with the sole purpose of building strong kids, strong families, and strong communities through caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility.