North Suburban YMCA Celebrates Grand Reopening

With a broad range of activities appealing to all ages, the North Suburban YMCA welcomed almost 3000 guests to its Grand “Re-Opening” Celebration on Saturday, Oct. 13. The event highlighted the many improvements completed in the Y’s recent renovation project, as well as the Y’s diverse program offerings.

Virtually every room of the Northbrook facility was filled with activity for the four-hour open house. Dance performances, fitness classes, gymnastics demonstrations and art projects kept visitors busy, while staff members led tours of remodeled locker rooms and new fitness center additions. The pool was filled with swimmers who challenged themselves on the Y’s inflatable obstacle course.  

“We wanted to celebrate in a way that would bring the whole community together,” said Barb Flanagin, YMCA Community Outreach Director. “We had a full afternoon of free programs, so there was really something for everyone.”

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The dramatic renovations, including new locker rooms, a new lobby, improved lighting, and enhanced accessibility features, received high praise from visitors. “I ran into a neighbor who said he hadn’t been to the Y in three years,” commented Bob Dahlke, NSYMCA past president. “He couldn’t believe the transformation. This event was a great opportunity to re-introduce the Y to people who weren’t aware of all the positive changes we’ve made.”

A high point of the festivities took place in the Y’s new lobby, with a recognition ceremony for the board members, committee chairs, and donors who made the Y’s renovation possible. NSYMCA Executive Director/CEO Howard Schultz thanked the community for its unfailing support of the Y as an institution.

He also announced a new fundraising initiative, the “Race to the Finish” campaign, to fund a final round of improvements and renovations. The first priority of the campaign will be a Youth and Family Wellness Center, a fitness studio dedicated to battling the epidemic of childhood obesity and promoting family fitness programs. The Y hopes to raise the necessary funds for that project by the end of November.

Program registration is currently open for the Y’s Fall II Session. For more information, visit www.nsymca.org or contact Y membership director Sari Glazebrook, sglazebrook@nsymca.org. 

About the North Suburban YMCA

The YMCA is a not-for-profit entity and relies on donations to fund capital improvements and keep its programs available to all, including those facing financial hardship. All board members are community volunteers, who donate their time, talents and financial resources. Located at 2705 Techny Road in Northbrook, the YMCA has served area families in its twelve-city region for over 40 years. The Y is about youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility, providing programs and services that meet the needs of our community and are accessible to all. For more information or to make a donation call Tara Bilby at 847-272-7250, tbilby@nsymca.org, or visit www.nsymca.org.

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