Bolivar YMCA breaks ground, seeks more local funding

The YMCA is to be located along Bolivar’s West Broadway Street. The groundbreaking was held between the Joe Rayl Family Library and the Polk County Senior Center.

Construction is expected to begin by the end of the year on the $3 million project. Through donations and a $460,000 Mabee Foundation grant, the YMCA has raised about $1.6 million, said spokesperson Robin Fish.

“This simply means we are ready to build everything we can afford to build now,” said David Hacker, president of the YMCA board, in a news release. “Additional pledges that come in over the next month will have a great impact on how much that turns out to be.”

Phase I of the project is estimated to take 14 months to build a full-service youth and family center with gymnasium, child care, teen center, fitness center, locker rooms and offices. Fish said Phase II includes an indoor swimming pool, racquetball courts, gym space and, possibly, an outdoor water park – if enough money can be raised.

Donations can be made at the YMCA, currently housed in a temporary facility across the street from the project site, or by phone at (417) 326-3100. Bolivar YMCA is a branch of Springfield Family YMCA.

This item appeared in the Oct. 21 SBJ e-news Daily Update. Register at sbj.net.

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