A sneak preview of the new, brightly decorated YMCA was given to those attending the annual Kosciusko YMCA Support Dinner, Saturday evening. The facility will open to members Dec. 1 with a grand opening slated for Dec. 8.

Among the unique features is the Welcome Center Area with a large mural in the colors of the Y (yellow, blue, green, purple, red) and its mission statement. Also unique is the design in the flooring. Using a lakes theme, a thick gray stripe, representing US 30, curves around the floor with the outlines of center, Chapman, Hidden, Pike and Winona lakes, in their appropriate vicinity of the highway.

There is a Parkview Healthy Living Center for programs and services supporting health and well-being. Off to the left of the main entry is a chapel, open to all for a time of prayer, reflection and private conversations. Just outside the chapel is a viewing area of the two pools.

Guests will find a multi-generational room, multipurpose room, child watch area, a large wellness center, four program rooms – two on the main floor and two on the upper level and a walking track with a stretching area. Nine laps around this track will equal one mile. The track is located above the wellness center and gymnasium.

The large main gym has 12 basketball hoops, which can be raised from 8-feet to 10-feet, with dividing curtains allowing for up to four gym areas. Volleyball courts are also marked out on the floor.

The pool area includes a lap pool, a warm water pool and sauna. Women’s and men’s locker rooms  and  family changing rooms are also available.

Outside there are a running/walking path, with four loops on the path equaling a mile, and a playground area.

Support Dinner

The building program began six years ago with the initial plans falling through. However, the board was reformed and ideas were in place. The opening of the new facility comes 50 years after the building of the first Y in the county.

Chad, Zaucha, executive director, noted the purpose of the evening was an effort to feed the mission of the Y. “We believe every body should participate in life changing Y programs. We believe every child should learn to swim …”

The evening, which included a silent and live auction, was to generate financial support to make programs available to those who can not afford to participate otherwise. Financial donations could also be made by those present.

Zaucha provided a few statistics on the financial support received and the amount of assistance given. In 2011, $48,000 was raised and $143,000 in financial assistance provided; 2012, $84,000 was raised and $136,000 given out. Figures for 2013 show $63,000 was raised with $122,000 distributed. To date, Zaucha stated $61,000 has been raised with $80,000 in financial assistance has been provided.