Family YMCA dedicates new facility

By Editor | July 30, 2010 |

After years of planning and months of construction, the new home for the Family YMCA of Fayette County was dedicated on Saturday.
The grand opening included a full slate of activities and entertainment, as well as a dedication ceremony Saturday afternoon.
“This is one of the best facilities we have in Vandalia,” said Mayor Rick Gottman. “It is a very important project to enhance the quality of life here.”
Rick Myers, president of the YMCA board, stepped to the microphone and asked the crowd of more than 100 people in attendance, “So, what do you think?” The resounding applause underscored the reaction by many visitors to the facility.
“Thanks go out to many,” Myers said. “Board members, contractors, our building committee, our donors, our members and, in particular, Hazel Simma-Kelly and the Old Capital Foundation.”
He also recognized John Ashdown, who has served as executive director of the YMCA for the past year. “I chaired the CEO search committee,” Myers said. “What set John apart from the others was his passion for the YMCA and his determination to put this building here.
“I’m convinced that this building would not be here without the tireless efforts of John Ashdown.”
Myers stressed that the completion of the $1.25 million, 16,952-square-foot building is not the end – but just a beginning for the YMCA.
“This may look like the end, but it’s not,” Myers said. “This building is only the beginning of what the Family YMCA of Fayette County wants to accomplish. This building in only a tool to help us accomplish our mission – which is to put Christian principles into practice through programs that build a healthy spirit, mind and body for all. We want to change lives…to provide opportunities for people to better themselves and to be part of our community.”
Included in the new facility are a full-size gymnasium, a weightlifting and cardio workout area, a multi-purpose room, two batting cages, offices and locker rooms. Space has been left for a racquetball court when additional funds are available. Outside, the building is located adjacent to a 6-acre plot owned by the Mark Miller family, which for the past two years has been leased to the YMCA for soccer and other activities.
Future additions on the 4 acres owned by the YMCA include a baseball field and a sand volleyball court.
The facility was made possible by a $1.5 million gift from the Old Capital Foundation (from the estate of Hazel Simma-Kelly), as well as donations from several businesses and individuals. Approximately, $1.2 million of the gift was used for the land and building, and $300,000 will be held in an endowment fund – with the interest being used to provide needed funding.
The general contractor for the building, Doug Fulk of Brownstown, called the project “both fun and challenging,” and he thanked the people involved in the project – particularly Ashdown. “The only way a project like this can go well is to have a good go-to guy. And we had that guy in John Ashdown.”
George Warner was the project superintendent for Fulk Construction.
Also on the program was Jeanne Lou Smith Hughey, whose father – the late Gene Smith – owned the land on which the YMCA is built. He bought the parcel in 1971 and had held it until his death in 1978, keeping it “so it could be used for the betterment of Vandalia and Fayette County,” Hughey said.
“My dad would be proud that this land will be used for such a wonderful purpose,” she added.
Other elements on Saturday’s schedule included several road races, games for the children, an appearance by Ronald McDonald and a concert by local musician Andy Whitten.
In reflecting on the grand opening and dedication ceremony, Ashdown said he was pleased with reception by the community.
“‘Oh wow,’ was the common reaction by people when they first come into the building,” he said. “They all say that the finished product is more than they expected. Many have commented on the wood floor in the gym and the overall size of the facility.
“This gives us a lot more flexibility to host more events and do a better job of serving our community.”
He said that membership numbers have increased significantly as the building has neared completion. “We’ve added about 20 memberships since Saturday – bringing us to about 550 memberships (which includes about 1,100 members in all). We’re excited to be able to offer more of what the community wants.”

John Ashdown, executive director of the Family YMCA of Fayette County, addresses the crowd during the dedication ceremony held on Saturday for the new YMCA facility off of Rock Island Avenue.

Those speaking during the grand opening ceremony for the new YMCA facility included contractor Doug Fulk of Fulk Construction, left, and George Warner, Fulk’s project superintendent for the new YMCA facility.