(Atlantic) Earlier this week, Vision Atlantic released details on three areas that will increase Atlantic’s population: quality housing, expanded childcare, and quality of life amenities at the Nishna Valley Family YMCA. With substantial monetary support from the Charles E. Lakin Foundation and local donors, $16.3 million has been raised over 50% of a $30 million goal in the past six months.
Atlantic’s current state-of-the-art YMCA will undergo a $16 million renovation with an addition added to the front of the facility. Dan Haynes, Executive Director of the Nishna Valley YMCA, says the renovation plan is a list from community members.
Haynes says the public listed 18 different things people were looking for. They surveyed residents in a 40-mile radius and compiled a list of the top ten things people felt were needed.
Haynes says current plans also include adding a 70-seat movie theater space to the facility:
One of the amenities will be a dedicated senior social and activity space that will promote fitness as individuals age and help fight social isolation among seniors. The list includes an outdoor community recreation and event space allowing fitness and outdoor events in all weather conditions. An indoor soft-play area will give families a safe, dynamic space for group play. 24-hour access to the expanded fitness floor will be available with critical fobs for entry after hours. A children’s museum area will bring a big-city feature into the community, providing education and fun. A STEM room and E-Sports room will be added to give youth of all ages a place to gather.
