Renaissance Pointe YMCA on Target for September Debut

New YMCA is a key anchor for the Renaissance Pointe area -As construction continues on the YMCA of Greater Fort Wayne’s newest membership branch, excitement is also building for the $6.5-million Renaissance Pointe YMCA. The facility broke ground in September of 2009 and is schedule to open September of this year.

Located near the intersection of Bower and Hurd Streets, the new facility is transforming a former brownfield into a vibrant, green development. The state-of-the-art family wellness and recreation center has long been considered a vital addition to efforts to revitalize the former Hanna-Creighton Neighborhood, now know as Renaissance Pointe. The new YMCA is expected to be an enticing amenity complementing new home construction and rehab efforts in the neighborhood.

However, beyond its many impressive physical attributes, perhaps the most important impact of the new facility will be social. The Renaissance Pointe YMCA will build on more than 45-years of service to central Fort Wayne through the programs of the Old Fort and Southeast Family YMCA’s. Under the leadership of long-time director Brenda Robinson, the Old Fort YMCA developed a loyal following of children and youth who participated in a number of activities and after-school programs at that branch. Although both aging facilities will be replaced by the new branch, YMCA officials say the programs and services upon which the community has come to depend will continue stronger than ever.

“We wanted to keep the rich history of the Old Fort YMCA in serving the youth in that area as far as cultural programs  like dance, music and art,” says Marty Pastura, YMCA of Greater Fort Wayne President& CEO. “

Ebony Young will serve as director of the Renaissance Pointe YMCA. Young knows the area well having served as director of the Southeast YMCA and then adding the duties of running the Old Fort YMCA upon Brenda Robinson’s retirement.

“Ebony has a real passion to make sure that all kids get the guidance they need in orde to succeed,” Pastura remarked.

Young says she’s exciting about the opportunity to lead a brand new branch while building on the proud history of the central city YMCA’s at the same time. Despite the initial apprehensions of longtime members, Young says anticipation is building.

“YMCA patrons have grown to become very positive and excited,” Young says.

In many ways, the youth development and family wellness programs that have traditionally been mainstays of the two southeast Fort Wayne YMCA’s actually helped shape the physical design of the new branch. The building will have a teen center; an expanded Computer Learning Lab; a multi-purpose community meeting room; a drop-in child watch center; choral and music rooms; and an art room.

“We’ll now be able to expose youth to new opportunities in education, arts and wellness,” Young explains. “For example, the art room space can be used to create a YMCA arts academy for youth.”

These physical attributes of the new building will allow the YMCA to continue to enhance educational programs for children and adults. Programs including After School Care, Summer Day Camp, and Youth Sports will offer a safe, structured environment for youngsters, while amenities like the Computer Learning Lab will offer classes to people of all ages.

The Renaissance Pointe YMCA will also house a Family Resource Center providing information about and help facilitate access to available social services. The YMCA will offer links to transportation, financial aid, child care, job training and other services aimed at improving the quality of life of people living in the neighborhood.

“The neighborhood can hold us accountable to increase family support through actively engaged family mentoring and programs,” Young says.

Of course, the facility will also be a resource for wellness. The building will include a double gym; a dance/aerobics studio; a wellness center; locker rooms; family changing rooms; and a versatile warm water therapy pool equipped with sauna and whirlpool.

“The warm water therapy pool can be accessed for physical therapy for adults and seniors, as well as for swim lessons and recreation for kids,” says Young.

By the summer of 2011, the new YMCA will also feature an outdoor splash park.

Pastura expects a smooth transition of programs and staff from the two closing facilities to the new building. Despite the sluggish economy, fundraising is also going smoothly. With a goal of $6.5-million, the organization has secured $6.2-million in donations and continues with its capital campaign.

The new YMCA will also encourage individual and family support through paid memberships, however Young says the branch will continue to assist those who can’t afford the dues.

“We turn no one away for the inability to pay,” Young says.