FINDLAY, Ohio — The Findlay and Hancock County community will soon be asked to support a major expansion plan at the Findlay YMCA.
The Findlay YMCA was first built in the 1960s and renovated in the early 2000's.
But with 8,300 members, this aging facility is starting to outgrow the YMCA's needs.
This is why leaders have announced plans to build a new, 96,000-square-foot facility just behind the current building.
"We looked at lots of opportunities to possibly do a renovation, but it was not cost effective, and we weren't going to get an efficient building like a new facility," said Findlay YMCA Chief Executive Officer Stephanie Parsons.
YMCA leaders will not say how much the new building will cost until they launch a fundraising campaign.
Once the new building is complete, the current building will be demolished.
And though the new facility will be close to the same square footage as the old, Parsons said the floor plan and layout will maximize the space.
"We have two indoor swimming pools, and right now they're located at either end of our facility," she said. "And to make it more efficient it's just going to be one aquatic center with two tubs in it. Which will be beautiful for our community."
Along with new facilities, a community kitchen, and larger gyms, the new building will also include a new early learning center to serve all of Hancock County, allowing the current YMCA Child Development Center to move into the same building as the rest of the Y MCA staff.
The hope is the new downtown YMCA can become a central hub for a variety of needs for the entire county.
"When you invest in the children in your community, you invest in your community. So, I think anyone and everyone should invest in early childhood programming, specifically here," said Kari Redman, child development district director.
"We assess the needs. And right now, you know. we are outgrowing our space and we want to serve our community the best we can. So, utilizing a new build to kind of better serve our needs." said Parsons
Plans are also being developed to renovate the Findlay YMCA East branch as well.
More on WTOL: