Niles-Buchanan YMCA to undergo nearly $6 million expansion

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Berrien County residents are looking forward to some pretty nice upgrades coming to one of their recreational facilities over the next 3 years.

The Niles-Buchanan YMCA on Front Street in Niles says they’re investing in their community by expanding with some major additions, additions worth just under $6 million.

The proposed capital campaign overview shows a few of those upgrades including a second gym, a new youth center, teen center and mind, body soul fitness studio.

The facility will go through three phases adding additional sections to the current facility with the brand new second gym being part of the first phase.

“When this building was built, there was a lot of like ‘well do we have the capacity for this building that’s going to get utilized?’ and the opportunity for the youth. Our gymnasium is packed every day, that’s awesome. At the same point, we need more room for that so it is very exciting to be able to offer that opportunity because there’s a need,” said Chief Operating Officer Denise Peters.

The YMCA has been part of Niles since 1944 and the center was rebuilt about ten years ago at their current location on Front Street. The facility has seen upgrades in the past, but upgrades like this are sure to draw in dozens if not hundreds of families across Niles.

“Engage youth in learning and opportunity to practice social responsibility and just have fun! And so there’s not really a whole lot of opportunities for them to go, so we’re hoping to work on that and bring youth here and offer them the opportunities for that and that’s along with community partnerships too and the collaborations that we’re really focusing on throughout Berrien County,” said Peters.

The Building the Foundation of Community Capital Expansion has qualified as 1 of the top 200 qualifiers out of 2,000 applicants nationwide to participant in State Farm's Neighborhood Assist $25,000 grant program. 40 winners will be selected based on voting. Voting opened August 16th and extends through August 25th.

The Y is asking for as many people to vote as possible as they are currently ranked 75 out of 200. Click here for more information and to vote.

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