NORFOLK — The Norfolk YMCA’s over $11 million expansion plan is becoming a reality.
Executive Director Randy Hagedorn announced on Wednesday that the YMCA’s three-year-old campaign for a 106,000 square foot expansion is full-steam ahead with a ground breaking coming as early as mid-March.
Hagedorn says the expansion will make the Y a top-notch facility.
“It’s gonna be a wow factor,” Hagedorn said. “It’s going to be one of the biggest things around, obviously, and it’s gonna be great for Northeast Nebraska.”
The new additions include a two-story wellness center, an indoor field house with a track, two new basketball courts, an indoor playground and a baseball/softball training center.
Hagedorn says area families stand to gain a lot with the new space and programs.
“It’s gonna be something for the families to do,” Hagedorn said. “They’re going to be to come here on an afternoon on a Saturday and probably spend a whole day because there’s gonna be that much to do here.”
YMCA Board President Doug Burkink says the improvements will help draw people to Norfolk.
“We have to have activities, we have to have options, we have to accommodate that quality of life,” Burkink said.
The massive project comes at an expense. It was originally estimated to cost $10 million but grew to $11.5 million because of interest and unforeseen costs. But, the Board has raised all but $700,000 of that total. Hagedorn says the community’s support has fueled the fundraising drive.
“It’s been unbelievable,” Hagedorn said. “You hear that all the time about how Norfolk is so giving, and it sure was.”
Burkink says the project has been handled the right way from the designs to the fundraising.
“We’ve been blessed,” Burkink said. “Our Board of Directors and everyone that’s help out - it’s been an awesome experience.”
Hagedorn doesn’t have a projected completion date for the project but hopes to be in part of the new facility by the end of the year. People can learn more about the project or donate by going to the YMCA’s website.
