The Stephens Family YMCA announced Tuesday it is planning a 50,000-square-foot expansion south of the current building in southwest Champaign.
Carle Health is donating the land. There is no timetable for the new addition.
“While we are still early in the planning process,” Stephens Family YMCA CEO Jeff Scott said, “we are excited about what this expansion could mean for the children, families and members we serve.”
Current plans call for 30,000 square feet to be used for additional youth and teen areas; expanded wellness and fitness facilities; classrooms and community connection spaces; enhanced preschool and youth program spaces; dedicated Larkin’s Place programming space; and outdoor turf areas for child watch, youth sports and family activities. Carle is expected to occupy 20,000 square feet in the new wing to increase access to therapy, rehabilitation and wellness programs.
No final design has been established. Community feedback, costs and fundraising plans are still being developed. The Y is expected to rely on a combination of philanthropic support, grants and other funding sources.
“The need for expanded space is clear,” YMCA board president Lynne Barnes said. “This project has the potential to impact thousands of local families for generations to come, and we are committed to stewarding this process thoughtfully and transparently as planning continues.”
The Stephens Family YMCA with Larkin’s Place has more than 5,500 family memberships and 14,000 members. It opened at its current location in March 2012.