August 1, 2022 at 11:50 a.m.
$1 million gift boosts expansion, renovation project at YMCA
$1 million gift boosts expansion, renovation project at YMCA
By River News Staff-
Rhinelander resident Gale Willcox made the $1 million gift to the Y and was recognized during an event that included a ceremonial groundbreaking on the expanded and renovated facility.
"There's no organization in Rhinelander better positioned to help the greatest number of people than our YMCA," Willcox said. "I know my late husband Dale would be as pleased as I am to contribute to the expansion and ongoing success of the Y."
According to a YMCA press release, the planned facility expansion will add over 14,000 square feet to the existing building along with renovations to existing spaces.
Highlights of the addition include:
• A new gymnasium with pickleball courts, a walking track, and a gymnastics center
• An outdoor pavilion to serve summer day camp and gathering space for our community
• A new and larger aerobics studio that will serve growing numbers of adults and seniors in healthy living
• A gathering room in the front lobby to welcome all in the Northwoods community
"The facility expansion is Phase 2 of an ambitious, multi-year capital campaign conducted by the Y," the release states. "Phase 1 of the campaign featured the Y's purchase of the former South Park School in Rhinelander and its conversion to a high-quality childcare center. Now called the Youth Development Center, that facility opened in 2020 and provides nearly 100 children with much-needed childcare."
"The Y's mission is centered around improving our community," said Ryan Zietlow, CEO of the YMCA of the Northwoods. "Between our childcare services and today's announcement of our facility expansion, we're working to fulfill that mission and make the Northwoods a better place to live for individuals and families. Facing previous challenges of space to provide impactful programming, this work will launch the Y to our next chapter. We can't thank Gale Willcox enough for her generous contribution to our capital campaign."
"The Willcoxes have been leading by example in our local community for a long time. I'm thrilled Gale has continued her philanthropy with the YMCA of the Northwoods. Her gift will help springboard our organization to its brightest future yet," added Jake Weinand, YMCA of the Northwoods Chief Volunteer Officer.
"We are so very grateful to all those who have believed in our campaign and the future of the YMCA of the Northwoods, especially Gale Willcox whose gift put us over our goal and allowed even more exciting additions to our original plan," shared Dr. Judy Pagano-Thoms, YMCA of the Northwoods Building Campaign Chair. "All of us at the Y are grateful to Ryan Zietlow for his tireless energy and expertise. He has set this Y on a course above and beyond our wildest imagination."
The YMCA of the Northwoods first started providing services to the Rhinelander area in 1998. Since then, it has become a hub for community growth, promoting healthy living, strong families, and youth development.
"The Y's major facility addition will benefit far more than just YMCA members, guests, youth campers, and other users," said Lauren Sackett, the executive director of the Rhinelander Area Chamber of Commerce. "A strong YMCA helps make the entire Rhinelander area a better and more attractive place to live and work. I'm excited to see how this organization continues to develop and provide benefits to our community."
According to the release, the expansion is expected to be completed in 2023. KSW Construction, which recently expanded to the Northwoods, is the general contractor on the project.
"In addition, the YMCA of the Northwoods is hopeful for a potential future Phase 3 of its capital campaign," the release states. "Phase 3 would feature further expansion of the Y's facility, including nearly 4,000 square feet of secured multi-purpose space that will expand opportunities for after school programming for our youth and teens, create additional meeting space for our community, and additional programming for the Y in its focus areas of youth development, healthy living and social responsibility."
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