Rock River Current
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ROCKFORD — The YMCA of Rock River Valley is expanding the SwedishAmerican Riverfront facility, adding more than 9,000 square feet of cardio and strength training space.
The Y hosted a groundbreaking ceremony Tuesday at the downtown location, 200 Y Blvd., with donors, partners, staff and volunteers.
The center is being built as the YMCA experiences a significant rise in membership, which officials say has pushed the facility to capacity during peak hours. Nearly 15,000 households are Y members with about 10,000 of them using the SwedishAmerican Riverfront Y most of the time.
“We have more members than we have ever had in our history,” Rachel Robinson, executive director of the SwedishAmerican Riverfront YMCA, said in a news release. “We attribute this growth to an intentional strategy to make the Y more accessible and more affordable for everyone.”
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The new structure will be built north of the existing wellness center, which is on the northwest side of the building facing the river.
The extra space will allow for 50 additional cardio pieces, a functional training system similar what’s at the Northeast Family YMCA in Loves Park and more weight training amenities.
The $3.1 million project represents the first phase of a $15-$20 million capital campaign for future improvements. The Y is raising money for both this project and future improvements. The Y said it would reveal future improvements as donations are received.
The Y will borrow from YMCA investments and repay the loan back with interest as gifts are received.
“Those funds are set aside for critical needs and we believe that our ability to serve our growing membership is at a critical point,” said Michelle Gorham, chief advancement officer. “Our primary goal is to elevate our Y, our services, and our entire community as each person seeks to grow to his or her fullest potential.”
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The improvements aren’t possible without support from donors, according to the Y.
“We are blessed to have Rick and Lana Engen as part of our Y family and for their lead gift to our capital campaign,” CEO Brent Pentenburg said in a news release. “Their generosity will help us meet the needs of our community and truly make an impact on youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility.”
Schmeling Construction and 1919 Architects are leading the project, which is expected to be completed in early summer 2024.
How to help
If you want to make a donation, rockriverymca.org or contact Michelle Gorham at mgorham@rockriverymca.org or 779-500-0810.