The Findlay Family YMCA has announced that it will be building a new Y.

“The new facility will enhance our ability to deliver programs and services that align with our mission,” said Findlay Family YMCA CEO Stephanie Parsons.

“We know that childcare is a major need in Hancock County. This project will address that need.”

Get more details from Stephanie in the letter below that she wrote to the community.

Dear Hancock County Community,

We are writing to share some exciting news about the future of our beloved Findlay Family YMCA. For over a century, the Findlay YMCA has been a pillar of our community, offering support, resources, and opportunities for people of all ages and backgrounds. Now, it’s time for us to take the next step in our journey of service and impact.

The YMCA has been an integral part of Findlay since 1888, and our mission has always been clear: to provide everyone, regardless of age, income, or background, the opportunity to learn, grow, and thrive. Over the years, we have witnessed the transformative power of this mission in the lives of countless individuals and families.

In response to feedback from our community and extensive facility assessments, we have identified the need to build a new YMCA facility. This new facility will not only replace our aging buildings but also enhance our ability to deliver programs and services that align with the evolving needs of our community. The current YMCA and Child Development Center will remain open with ongoing programming throughout the construction of the new building on the east end of the parking lot, allowing us to keep our central downtown location without disrupting YMCA services to the community. Once construction is completed, the current YMCA facility will be demolished and replaced with parking and green spaces.

One of the key improvements will be the addition of an Early Learning Center, addressing a critical need for quality childcare in our area. With a larger and more accessible Early Learning Center, we aim to reduce the stress on working families searching for quality care. By expanding our childcare services, we aim to improve families’ health and financial well-being while providing infants and toddlers with a safe, enriched environment that prepares them for future success.

The new YMCA facility will also offer a broader range of state-of-the-art fitness equipment, two pools, larger gyms, a kitchen, and more spaces dedicated to youth development. We will also introduce new programs such as life skills education, S.T.E.M. activities, and expanded recreation options for children.

We understand the importance of low-stress fun and wellness programs for children, as well as adults and seniors. The new facility will provide a welcoming environment for all activities, promoting physical and mental health for all ages. We are committed to providing access to experiences and opportunities some may take for granted, from basic needs like food and safe spaces to life-changing activities like swimming and attending camp.

With over 60,000 people living within a 15-minute drive of the Findlay YMCA, our new facility will serve as a vibrant hub for individuals and families, attracting new users and retaining existing. We believe this project aligns perfectly with the “Findlay Forward” Strategic Plan, contributing to a better quality of life and stimulating the local economy. It will symbolize community pride and allow people to come together to learn, grow, and thrive.

We want to thank our community for your continued support over the years. Together, we have significantly impacted the lives of many, and we look forward to continuing this journey with your support for the new Findlay YMCA facility.

In the coming months, we will share more details about our plans and how you can get involved. We are excited about the positive changes this new facility will bring to our community, and we invite you to join us on this exciting journey. We also kindly request your patience as we unite with local historical experts to explore potential opportunities to utilize the house of historical significance, situated at 404 East Lincoln Street, and expand upon its value to the community.

Thank you for being a part of the Findlay YMCA family, and we look forward to a brighter, more inclusive, and vibrant future together.

Sincerely, Stephanie Parsons, CEO of the Findlay Family YMCA