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A ground breaking ceremony for Muscatine’s $7 million YMCA renovation project will take place Wednesday morning. The project will add about 25,000 square feet to the existing building, adding many amenities for members. The city of Muscatine has extensive financial support from the community in order to complete the project, including $2 million from the Roy J. Carver Charitable Trust. The $7 million project will add a new gymnasium with more basketball courts, a new flat track and another exercise studio. A new spin room will also be added. The plan is to add a new kids adventure center for early elementary and preschool kids as well. YMCA Executive Director Bret Olson said, 500 people and companies have donated to the project so far, including $28 from a 9 year old. He said with the big community support, adding nearly 25,000 square feet of new space will provide much needed services and programs for members. “We do so many things for kids and families through character development in our family program services,” Olson said. “We have two very unique programs here in Muscatine. We have special Olympics and Big Brothers Big Sisters, which is not a normal YMCA program although it is in Muscatine, it’s a perfect fit because their mission ties in perfectly with the Y,” he said. “With all these enhancements we really think we can make an even greater impact in our community,” said Olson. The project is expected to take about 13 months to complete. The expected finish date is next May. The facility will remain open during construction to accommodate traffic flow. Wednesday’s ground breaking ceremony will start at 10 am at the Muscatine YMCA.
