Following the Early Learning Center build will be Phase II, which will feature a reconstructed downtown branch for enhanced health, wellness, and gathering/learning spaces, along with East Branch enhancements.
We’re the first to admit: we’ve been fortunate to have great facilities that have served people well for many years.
The Downtown Branch has been operating at its current location for 60 years. After a fire destroyed the previous structure on Sandusky Street, the facility was moved to 300 E. Lincoln Street. It houses two pools; a cardio center; small track; weight room; two gymnasiums; rooms for aerobics, barre, and other activities; smaller courts for games such as racket ball; a multipurpose room where community members gather; a large conference room; a care center for children of adult members to stay while they work out; a play room for school-age students; locker rooms; and administrative offices.
The East Branch opened in 2005 and is a favorite of racket sports enthusiasts and weightlifters. It features five indoor tennis courts; a TechnoGym fitness center; a free weight room; an all-purpose room used for Judo, gymnastics and cycling programs; an aerobic room; and locker rooms.
The Downtown Branch, which was renovated and expanded in 2001, and the East Branch have been cherished locations for Y members and the community for decades.
Case for Support
Here’s the challenge: these two facilities now need innovative solutions to continue serving people’s evolving health, wellness, social, and spiritual needs.
The Downtown Branch’s infrastructure is aged and frequently needs repairs. Its two pools are dilapidated and need replaced. The locker rooms, which encompass more than 5,200 square feet, are too large. The facility’s layout isn’t ideal or large enough for daily traffic flow, game attendee accommodation, or optimal safety.
Approaching 20 years old, the East Branch remains a wonderful and welcoming Y and community member destination. It, too, however, inadequately supports users. Findlay High School and University of Findlay tennis teams use the courts for practice and matches. Pickleball continues to increase in popularity with all ages, necessitating more court availability and attention; the Downtown Branch’s East Gym is now also being used as a pickleball court to serve the region’s rapidly growing number of pickleball players A summer 2024 flash flood at the East Branch forced replacement of flooring and some equipment, which will decrease future renovation costs.
Phase II will include a Downtown Branch total reconstruction at its existing location that will also connect the facility to the new Early Learning Center, and East Branch renovations to serve more users.
Years ago, capital campaign committee members and the Y’s board members considered a second Downtown Branch renovation but quickly concluded that option would be an inferior use of funding. Renovating would temporarily alleviate some of the structural concerns, yet the existing poorly designed and inefficient layout would remain.
Stronger Together Capital Campaign leaders are looking far into the future to determine how best and how sustainably the Findlay Family YMCA can continue to serve community members’ expanding health, wellness, and spiritual needs.
