The Bangor Region YMCA expects to break ground later this year for its $57.8 million facility, with a goal to open in the spring of 2027.
The Y unveiled plans Thursday with the start of the public phase of its capital campaign. So far, $31.2 million has been raised.
The goal is to raise another $13.8 million by June 30. That amount will qualify the Y for $10 million from an undisclosed funding source.
“This is a vision that has been created and shared amongst some of our region’s most inspired community leaders,” said Diane Dickerson, CEO of the Bangor Region YMCA. “I have no doubt that the vision will benefit all in this region. But there is a lot of fundraising work to do to make this vision a reality.”
The Y welcomes nearly 12,000 people each year from more than 25 surrounding towns.
Expanded and new offerings
The Y is currently located in a 45,000-square-foot facility at 17 Second St. in Bangor; the organization has called the layout “disjointed.” The building dates back to 1836, with improvements taking place in 1929 and the 1970s.
The new facility, to be named the Cathy Gero Bangor Region YMCA, will be 82,000 square feet.
There’s no assigned address for the new Y yet. It will be located on Main Street near Davis Court and Talbot Park.
Gero was a longtime member and supporter of the Bangor Region Y who passed away in 2022 after a four-year battle with cancer, according to a news release.
Situated on seven acres, the three-story Y will have facilities that feature what is popular at the current facility, while adding offerings not currently available.
That includes a full court gymnasium and run/walk track, neither of which currently exist. An aquatic center with have two pools, including an eight-lane competition lap pool and a six-lane pool. Both pools will be bigger than the current pools.
A community health center will offer on-site support from mental health specialists, a primary care provider, physical therapy and other offerings. There will be a community room, community kitchen and cafe.
Larger early-childhood center
The facility will double the size of the early childhood education and before and after school programs; provide infant care starting at 6 months for the first time in Bangor Region YMCA history; and add a science, technology, engineering, art and math (STEAM) maker space and a “kids adventure zone.” There will also be a teen center.
Plans are in the works to add recreational and sports fields, and nature-based outdoor education play areas. The Y’s current footprint doesn’t allow for outdoor athletic fields, which is an offering that has been long requested and considered necessary to expand outdoor programs.
The design was provided by SMRT Architects and Engineers.
The Bangor Region YMCA was established more than 158 years ago, said Dickerson.
“This new community asset will help to connect people, strengthen our families, heighten our workforce, improve our economy and enrich our lives,” she said.
Royce Cross, chairman of Cross Insurance, said he spent time as a teen at the Y, adding that the new facility is “a necessary investment to continue providing a space for children, teens, adults and families to learn, recreate, build team skills and grow stronger.”
The announcement of the campaign’s public phase was made at Hollywood Casino Hotel & Raceway, which donated $100,000 to the campaign.
“This new regional YMCA will not only serve the needs of our expansive region, but will also help our businesses attract new people to the area, increasing our workforce, and expanding child care for parents who need to work,” said Janine Tremble, president of the Y’s board.
