After more than 9 years of planning and community partnership, the Bloomington-Normal YMCA is excited to announce the grand opening of their new facility in partnership with Easterseals Central Illinois located at 202 St. Joseph Drive, Bloomington, IL 61701. The YMCA will close their current location at 602 S. Main Street at the close of business on Sunday, August 21, 2022. The new YMCA will open on Monday, August 22, 2022 at 5:00 a.m. for regular operations. A week long grand opening celebration will take place Monday, August 29th – Thursday, September 1st.
“We are thrilled to open a state of the art facility that is accessible and inclusive to all. It allows our community to participate in programming, discover a sense of belonging and reach their full potential in spirit, mind and body,” said B.J. Wilken, Executive Director/CEO of the Bloomington-Normal YMCA. “We will continue to serve our entire community by never turning away someone due to their background or financial situation.”
“This facility is the physical embodiment 100% Included and 100% Empowered. We are so excited to begin seeing our families in this best-in-class, inclusive facility,” said Amber Gruenloh, Community Vice President of Easterseals Central Illinois. “We are grateful for the Bloomington-Normal community's support of the Growing Together campaign that made this collaboration a reality. We believe every child deserves the best and this facility truly delivers on that."
Each day of the grand opening celebration will be themed with free activities to showcase various programs to participate in at the YMCA as well as community partnerships that support the Y in their cause to strengthen communities.
- Monday, August 29th is Fitness Day
- Tuesday, August 30th is Community Day
- Wednesday, August 31st is Family Night
- Thursday, September 1st is Mindfulness Day
YMCA Stakeholders, community leaders and the Chamber of Commerce will commemorate the celebration with a ribbon cutting ceremony that will take place on Community Day, August 30th at 10 a.m.
Open seven days a week, the near 70,000 square foot facility will offer an aquatic center with a zero depth entry splash pad, warm water therapy pool and competitive pool, a universal locker room to accommodate all people, an expanded gym, an outdoor fitness terrace, community meeting space, outdoor playgrounds, enhanced child watch amenities, premium cardio and wellness equipment, and three group fitness studios. It will bring significant expansion of programs available for youth and adults interested in sports, Esports and enrichment programs for youth and teens, hosted by the Y.
“I am thrilled for the entire Bloomington-Normal Community and am excited to see how this new asset will forge new relationships and improve overall well-being,” says Wilken.
Charter Memberships at the YMCA will remain available for purchase to both individuals and households through July 31st. Charter members receive a variety of additional benefits, including:
- Membership access to the current location located at 602 S. Main St in Bloomington.
- Charter members will not pay monthly membership dues until October 1, 2022.
- Early access to our new Bloomington-Normal YMCA location at 202 St Joseph Dr in Bloomington
- A variety of limited edition YMCA-branded merchandise, exclusive to charter members.
- Your name/family name on the Charter Member Wall at our new YMCA, a permanent fixture in the new facility.
Charter memberships can now be purchased on site at our current location during regular operating hours and on site at our new location beginning July 18th, Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Financial Support is available to those who qualify through the Bloomington-Normal YMCA’s Financial Support program. Visit us at www.bnymca.org to learn more information.
For more details about the YMCA’s Grand Opening Celebration, visit us online at bnymca.org or follow us on social media at Bloomington-Normal YMCA!
Work for the Bloomington-Normal YMCA
The new Bloomington-Normal YMCA brings many new opportunities for employment and volunteerism. Positions available include lifeguards, aquatic fitness instructors, land fitness instructors, personal trainers, child watch team members, membership staff and more. Learn more about jobs available and volunteer opportunities at bnymca.org/workatthey
Special Thanks
The grand opening of the Bloomington-Normal YMCA would not be possible without the support of our capital campaign leadership cabinet, OSF Healthcare, Easterseals Central Illinois and our corporate partners. The Y and Easterseals would also like to thank the many individuals in our community who helped make this possible through gifts of time, talent and treasure.
About the Partnership
The new Bloomington-Normal YMCA is developed in partnership with OSF HealthCare and Easterseals of Central Illinois. Together we are working to help all people become stronger in spirit, mind and body.
About Easterseals Central Illinois
Easterseals Central Illinois provides exceptional services to ensure that children with developmental delays, disabilities and other special needs can reach their full potential. These services are available to our community thanks to the tireless efforts and generosity of our supporters.
About the Bloomington-Normal YMCA
Established in 1855, the Bloomington-Normal YMCA is the oldest continually existing human service organization in McLean County. Serving more than 5,000 people annually, the YMCA is dedicated to instilling Christian principles through programs that build healthy spirit, mind and body for all. As a charitable, nonprofit organization, the Y seeks to establish programming in the community for youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. For more information, please visit www.bnymca.org.
For more information from our staff, please contact Patrick Mainieri at patrickm@bnymca.org or call us at 309-827-6233.