BUCYRUS — The Bucyrus Area YMCA is on a mission to upgrade its facility, meet the needs of the community and strengthen foundations for the future.
The Bucyrus YMCA, which has recently launched a $1.2 million capital campaign for that purpose, has raised more than $300,000 toward its goal so far, according to Charles “Buster” Ardner, president and CEO of the YMCA of Bucyrus-Tiffin.
“When we began planning our capital campaign, we never imagined that we would experience a global pandemic to this scale in our home communities,” Ardner said. “But the YMCA provides important services, even when we can’t operate as usual.”
Renovations to the childcare center were deemed a top priority, Ardner said, but then the pool – the cornerstone of the Y – also needed a major overhaul so it was added to the list. On June 1, he said, the tough decision was made to close the pool, which needs a new lining and $700,000 in repairs.
“We’ve listened to the community and our members and know the importance of maintaining a safe, modern aquatics facility and building for all, in addition to expanding services to offer childcare,” Ardner said. “Ultimately, we need to be hopeful and intentional when planning for our future together.”
Support from the capital campaign, he said, will also enable the YMCA to install new HVAC units in the childcare room and wellness center, resurface the gym floor, upgrade cardio and weight equipment, repave the parking lot and make other improvements to the facility.
So far, contributions from the Timken Foundation, United Way of Crawford County, Ohio Mutual Insurance Group, the Community Foundation for Crawford County and others have jump-started the campaign, Ardner said, which suffered a two-month setback due to COVID-19.
Janel Hord, who sits on the 12-member YMCA board, acknowledged that the pandemic has disrupted many things in our lives, but noted that it’s also a great opportunity for the community to rally around the Y, which has served generations of families over the years.
“We often joke that many of us were Y kids or are Y families, having taken swim lessons, playing/learning a sport or using the fitness room,” Hord said. “I am old enough and thankful to remember taking swim lessons at the original Y, which was in downtown Bucyrus.”
The YMCA pool is not only used regularly by the Y swim team “White Sharks,” but it’s also home to the Bucyrus, Wynford and Upper Sandusky high school swim teams. Even three- to six-year-olds in the childcare room use the pool throughout the week, Ardner said.
Hord said all donations – big and small – can make a difference in helping the facility reach its full potential.
“The Y will need generous donors and families to step up and support the building and programs that our community needs,” she said. “We need our YMCA as much as it needs us.”
Pledges to the campaign can be made in any form, with sponsorships available for individuals and businesses. For more information and giving opportunities, contact Ardner at cardner@tiffinymca.org or call 419-447-8711 or 419-562-6218.
