YMCA in Akron gets $3M gift to build new facility

AKRON, Ohio - To help build a new YMCA in Akron, the Knight Foundation donated $3 million as part of a 3-year commitment.

"YMCAs tend to be known for gyms and pools, but we aim far beyond that - to strengthen the foundation of our community," said Doug Kohl, president and CEO of the Akron Area YMCA. "This gift greatly enhances the YMCA's ability to provide sustainable programs in a fragile and emerging neighborhood in the heart of the city."

The new University Park branch, an innovative partnership with Summa Heath System , will allow the facility to double its membership to 10,000.  It will include a gym, elevated running track and aquatic center, plus programming that will instill leadership skills in teens, teach third graders to swim and promote healthy living in the community.

"This grant puts the YMCA project well within reach of its financial goals in a very tight economy," said Rob Briggs, chairman of Knight Foundation's board.  "It's great for an underserved neighborhood, and a terrific example of what can be accomplished when the community comes together."

In addition to providing much needed programming, the new YMCA branch will help make the University Park neighborhood more attractive for businesses.

"We believe in Akron, in its leadership and in the collaboration between institutions and individuals that form the University Park Alliance that we have supported for years. This funding is a continuation of that commitment," said Alberto Ibargüen, Knight Foundation's president and CEO.

Akron Area YMCAs serve the community with seven full-time Early Care and Education Centers and more than 30 before and after school sites, six membership branches, and the Phoenix Alternative School in Medina and East Akron.  They also provide Northeast Ohio with premiere camping year-round at Camp Y-Noah and operate Rotary Camp for Children with Special Needs .  YMCAs are for people of all faiths, races, ages, incomes and abilities. 

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