Princeton, IN – The YMCA of Southwestern Indiana officially cut the ribbon on its new Toyota Indiana YMCA building at 215 W Water Street with a special ceremony attended by more than 400 community members.
“We are excited to share this new facility with area residents and look forward to serving and sharing our mission in new ways. This could not be possible without the support of our members, volunteers, donors, partners and staff, and we are honored to be a part of such a life-changing investment in Southwestern Indiana” said Robert Bernardin, YMCA of Southwestern Indiana Board President and Chief Volunteer Officer.
The new facility has 56,000 SqFt of space that will increase access to health and well-being services in Gibson County while expanding youth development and educational programming for children. The YMCA utilizes the majority of the square footage while partners such as Isaiah 1:17 Project and ProRehab lease space for family services and physical rehabilitation services. The facility combines the former Lowell Elementary School donated by North Gibson School Corporation with a newly built addition.
The lower level includes the Lobby, Child Watch for infants and toddlers, Kids Zone for young children, a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) Lab for youth, a Universal Lounge for teens, Locker Rooms, 25-yd Pool with 1 meter Diving Board, Gymnasium, Multi-Purpose rooms, a Community Room, and a Teaching Kitchen. The upper floor includes wellness space with exercise equipment, free weights, strength training equipment, functional fitness area, a cycle studio, and two group exercise rooms.
“When the YMCA came to us about joining them to bring a new community wellness facility to the heart of downtown Princeton, we saw that we had a real opportunity to be part of a community initiative that will create a sustainable and lasting impact,” said Tim Hollander, president Toyota Indiana. “As a part of this community, Toyota Indiana knows firsthand what an incredible resource this will be for the city of Princeton and all of Gibson County.”
Funding for the new Toyota Indiana YMCA had multiple sources including $5,000,000 in funding from the READI Initiative, a $2,800,000 community campaign, $13,800,000 in TIF funding, and $8,000,000 in new market tax credits in partnership with a community development entity.
“Responding to community needs is central to the mission of the YMCA of Southwestern Indiana, and we have been collaborating with the Gibson County community for many years to bring this project to life. We have been serving area youth and families for years through our Child Care Services and YMCA Camp Carson branches. We are excited to broaden our impact and serve in new and different ways with this wellness center and community space,” said Johnathan Pope, President & CEO of the YMCA of Southwestern Indiana.
Photo Cut Line: Program participants, officials and community leaders gathered for the official Ribbon Cutting of the new Toyota Indiana YMCA in Princeton.
(From left)
1. Jennifer Brown, VP of Operations – YMCA of Southwestern Indiana
2. Dan Alcorn, Regional Manager – Garmong Construction
3. Lloyd Winnecke, President & CEO – Evansville Regional Economic Partnership
4. Johnathan Pope, Chief Executive Officer of the YMCA of Southwestern Indiana
5. Dr. Eric Goggins, Superintendent – North Gibson School Corporation
• Owen & Maggie Howell, Child Care Services Participants at Princeton Primary
6. Rob Bernardin, YMCA of Southwestern Indiana Board President – RW Baird
7. Mayor Greg Wright, Mayor City of Princeton
8. Tim Hollander, President – Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Indiana
9. Jim McDonald, Attorney and Toyota Indiana YMCA Branch Board of Managers Chairman
10. George Ballard, Gibson County TIF Representative
11. Brian Hancock, YMCA of Southwestern Indiana Board Member – Senior Risk Advisor of ONI Risk Partners
12. Jenny Bartley, Toyota Motor Manufacturing Indiana
13. Dave Abbott, Insurance Advisor for Shepherd Insurance
14. Steve Fritz, YMCA of Southwestern Indiana Board Member
15. Jennifer Kissel, Principal, Architect for Hafer & Associates