For Immediate Release: May 16, 2022
Contact: Kayla O’Brien, Marketing Director
269-683-1552 Ext. 327; 269-240-3436 (cell); kobrien@ymcagm.org
YMCA of Greater Michiana Explores South Bend Aquatics Center Project
SOUTH BEND, Ind. — The YMCA of Greater Michiana Board of Directors will continue the exploration of an aquatics center at YMCA O’Brien Center, 321 E. Walter St., South Bend.
A community needs assessment, which was conducted last year, validated the need for and long-term sustainability of an aquatics center.
The next steps for the project include conducting a full financial analysis, reviewing conceptual designs, and additional community assessments.
The City of South Bend Venues, Parks & Arts Board of Park Commissioners heard a presentation about the potential Aquatics Center on Monday night.
The YMCA and VPA have been partners since 2020 and will continue to work closely together to advance the project.
The YMCA has been considering the best options for a new pool in the South Bend community since the closure of the South Bend-Mishawaka YMCA in 2020.
“We said we weren’t leaving the community, and we aren’t,” YMCA of Greater Michiana CEO Mark Weber said. “The community made it clear during the needs assessment they wanted a pool, and the Y is committed to making that need a reality.”
The timeline, funding, and cost for the Aquatics Center will be developed and evaluated in the coming months.
About YMCA of Greater Michiana
YMCA of Greater Michiana is a nonprofit charitable organization 501(c)(3) that has worked collaboratively with community partners to improve the lives of children, adults, and families in southwest Michigan and northcentral Indiana for over 100 years. The Y empowers everyone, no matter who they are or where they are from, by ensuring access to resources, relationships, and opportunities for all to learn, grow, and thrive. For more information, visit www.ymcagm.org.
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