Verbatim: Caylor-Nickel Foundation donates $3 million for new Bluffton YMCA

The Scoop

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The YMCA of Greater Fort Wayne issued this news release tonight:

The Caylor-Nickel Foundation announced a $3 million donation to the YMCA of Greater Fort Wayne to support the need for a new Y in Wells County. Including this generous donation, the YMCA has raised $4.2 million towards the project goal of $7 million.

In Wells County, limited YMCA services are being provided from a temporary location in northern Bluffton. While some of the community’s needs are being met, a larger, full-service, permanent facility will allow the Wells County Y to better address the ongoing area needs.

The new Y facility will be constructed on a 30 acre parcel of land which is located on West Dustman Road -- generously donated by the James S. Jackson family. At nearly 40,000 square feet, the Wells County Y will offer the many family-friendly amenities including an aquatic center with zero-depth entry, a slide and sauna; gymnasium with two basketball courts; large wellness center with a variety of equipment; aerobic and cycling rooms; full-day child care (infants through school age) and Child Watch while parents work out; game room; and complete locker room facilities including family changing rooms.

The new facility will allow the Wells County Y to increase membership from its current 1,000 to 4,200 total members and will offer full services to those who currently live outside the YMCA’s Fort Wayne service area.

Serving as a “hub” of the community, the new Y will add more area jobs, enhance local business wellness efforts, increase economic development and boost Wells County’s level of attractiveness for families and business. Additionally, the YMCA child care will meet a critical need in the community, and will be the first licensed day care center in Wells County.

The YMCA plans to break ground by spring 2013, with a projected opening in summer 2014.