Capital Campaign | YMCA of Muncie

“We want this new YMCA to be common ground, where people of all ages, races, socio-economic status, for ALL people, to be welcome.”

– Mark Hardwick, Campaign Co-Chair

For more than 145 years, the YMCA of Muncie has been strengthening our community by connecting people to their potential, their purpose and each other. While our programs and facilities have changed over the years, our mission – to put Christian principles into practice through programs that build healthy spirit, mind and body for all – has remained the same.

As our volunteers and staff looked to the future, we landed on a bold vision to expand our reach and impact for the people who live and work in our community. That vision includes consolidating our YMCA facilities to maximize their effectiveness and operate the Y more efficiently. Those gains translate into increased service both inside and outside our walls.

With your help, we will create a new YMCA on the campus of Muncie Community Schools, that will:

Enhance quality of life and become an anchor for Downtown economic development
Create opportunities for young people and adults to be leaders and make our community better
Include flexible program space to adapt to the changing needs of our community over time
Ensure access for all by creating a barrier-free YMCA that is easily accessible from all parts of the community
Provide a family-friendly gathering place focused on the well-being of all

Sustaining Our Legacy

Our YMCA was founded, and our facilities built, by visionary leaders who inspired the generosity of our community. Will you help us continue that legacy?

To sustain our future, we need to be exceptional stewards of our financial resources, while boldly seeking new ways to serve. By combining our locations and creating a new YMCA, we will make the Y a more accessible, enriching and enjoyable part of community life.

GROWING OUR LEGACY ONE DOLLAR AT A TIME

In order to encourage the broader community’s support for this project, we are thankful that every dollar contributed during this next phase of the campaign will be matched 1-for-1 (up to $1M) by First Merchants Bank.

Volunteer for the Capital Campaign

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does the YMCA need a new building?

• The Downtown and Northwest YMCA facilities are outdated and no longer meet the YMCA or community’s needs.
• A new facility will provide shared spaces for community partners.
• A new facility will greatly improve operational efficiencies and provide cost savings.
• Cost savings allow the YMCA to infuse more financial assistance and mission-based programming into the community.

The YMCA’s goal is to:
• Enhance the quality of life in Muncie and Delaware County.
• Help young people and adults to become leaders to make our community better.
• Provide flexible program spaces that can adapt to the changing needs of our community.
• Ensure access for all by creating a barrier-free facility accessible from all parts of the community.
• Provide a family friendly gathering space.

Why does the new YMCA need to be built on the campus at Muncie Central High School?

Several studies and years of research indicated that a centrally located facility in the downtown area would have the greatest reach and impact.
The YMCA and Muncie Community Schools (MCS) have a long and deep relationship with a focus on developing current and future students into successful community leaders.
A YMCA on the campus at the school provides students with direct access to not only Y programming but allows the use of shared spaces, such as the aquatics center, and cost savings for both the Y and MCS.

Isn’t parking going to be an issue with the new facility at the high school?

Access to facilities and events at MCHS is a priority for both the Y and MCS.
Through a reconfiguring process, the parking lot will gain 187 spaces.
Handicap accessible parking spots will be designated close to facilities during events to ensure access.
Peak times for MCHS occur during nonpeak times for the YMCA with little overlap, helping to ensure accessible parking.
Clearly marked and visible drop off areas with flow of traffic guidelines will ensure safety and easy access.

Will students be at risk with an increase of people on campus?

The YMCA and MCS have used and will continue to use a screening tool known as Raptor to ensure sexual offenders are not permitted access to YMCA or school facilities.
The YMCA, as well as MCS, have a weapons policy prohibiting weapons from being on the property.

Are you removing existing greenspace?

We are working to retain as much natural space as possible.

What will be different about the new YMCA?

We will serve 1 in 3 people in our county.
Continue to provide access for all by removing physical or financial barriers.
Enhance the quality of life in Muncie and assist with the revitalization of Downtown.
Continue to be a leader in the community supporting educational success, including Early Childhood Education and wraparound support for the Cradle to Career initiative.
Provide opportunities to enlarge programs serving the families and students of Muncie Schools.
Initiate a workforce development program with MCS and MACC.

What amenities will the new facility have?

Aquatics Center with multi-lane lap pool, zero entry accessibility, sauna and splash pad features
Three Group Exercise spaces
Child Watch and Teen Center
Basketball Courts with pickleball lines
Wellness Center
Walking Track
Universal Locker Rooms
Multi-Purpose and Community Rooms
Outdoor play space
Chapel

What will happen to the old Y facilities?

The Downtown Y was purchased by Muncie Redevelopment Commission in late 2022. The Y still has access to the facility for as long as it’s needed.
The Northwest Y will be publicly listed to sell at an unknown date.
We intend to provide current programming and services throughout the construction process.

What about tennis programs?

While the YMCA of Muncie has had a unique situation and has been able to offer community tennis programs, we will not be adding tennis courts in the new facility. We are still working on options that would allow the Y to provide tennis, but nothing to report as of yet. As soon as we know more, we will update you.
While less than 6% of YMCA members utilize the courts, we understand that tennis has been an important part of their well-being.

Frequently Asked Questions about the Downtown YMCA Closure

Why are you closing before the new Y is ready?

• This acceleration of the DT closure date is due to escalated construction cost the new facility and inflation.

What will happen to the equipment?

We will be moving some equipment to NW and YT to ensure members have ample equipment to use. The remaining equipment will be sold to commercial buyers.

Where will I swim?

• Muncie Central High School pool will be open and available to YMCA members. Schedules will be out soon! The High School pool has a separate entrance so members will not be interfering with school operations or students.