(Atlantic) KSOM/KS95 News continues our series of stories with the Vision Atlantic initiative. This $75 million transformative project includes 144 new housing units, an expansion of the YMCA, and a new childcare development center.
This series offers listeners and readers exclusive behind-the-scenes insight into this groundbreaking effort. Each week, a key leader or leaders speak about a different component of the project. Today, Vision Atlantic President Christina Bateman, Nishna Valley Family YMCA Executive Director Dan Haynes, and YMCA Board President Dr. Bob Sharp talk about the YMCA portion of this project.
Twenty-one years ago, the late Gordon and Jeanette Nicholas made a substantial financial contribution, along with support from the City and donations from other community members, that helped establish the YMCA at its current location.
Sharp says the Y has done an excellent job staying on top of its depreciation accounts. He notes that they’ve been able to replace a lot of equipment and keep up with repairs without needing to fundraise to cover those costs.
Dan Haynes says the YMCA expansion project is a direct response to needs identified through community surveys conducted over the past four years. He explains that a firm was hired to distribute the surveys not only in the Atlantic area but also within a 40-mile radius to gather input on what residents wanted in terms of quality of life and recreational opportunities.
Haynes wants things like a children’s museum and an indoor play space where families can recreate, watch their children, and have coffee while they’re there. The new state-of-the-art facility features a front expansion. The project would comprise an outdoor community recreation and event space for fitness and gatherings in all weather conditions, as well as an indoor soft-play area providing a safe and engaging environment for group activities. An expanded fitness floor provides 24-hour access, with key fob entry available after hours. A new children’s museum brings a big-city experience to the community, combining education and fun. A STEAM and STEM room, as well as an E-Sports room, create dedicated spaces for youth of all ages to connect and engage. The plan also includes a senior social and activity area, promoting fitness and helping to combat social isolation among older adults, a 60-seat theater, a lecture hall, and an e-sports stadium.
Haynes says the expansion is located to the north of the current YMCA and will add approximately 25,000 square feet to the existing facility. Bob Sharp says the other issue is that they have outgrown the facility.
Vision Atlantic President Christina Bateman reports that the YMCA expansion project is expected to cost around $20 million, with ongoing fundraising efforts supporting both major capital initiatives. So far, approximately 60% of the total $39 million needed for the YMCA expansion and a new 300-child capacity Daycare Center has been raised.
A $6.4 million grant from the Charles E. Lakin Foundation has been awarded to support the YMCA project, contingent on Vision Atlantic reaching 80% of its fundraising goal by December 31 of this year and 100% by December 31, 2026. Bateman notes that they are currently about 20% away from meeting those targets.
“We’re incredibly grateful to everyone who has already contributed to this transformative effort,” Bateman said. “If you’re interested in supporting the project, please reach out to a committee member—we’re happy to answer any questions.”
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