Flambeau River YMCA leaders invites community to celebrate fundraising accomplishments

Park Falls, WI – Leaders met with the public, businesses, donors, and volunteers at the future site of the Flambeau River YMCA (the former Park Falls City Hall) in celebration of the project’s fundraising campaign.

Attendees celebrated the project’s successes to date and were updated on fundraising accomplishments, next steps in construction, construction phasing, and upcoming programming in the community.

“Bringing this YMCA to our communities is a major milestone that started with a conversation four years ago.", said Paul Rybak of St. Croix Rods, a co-chair of the Flambeau River YMCA Steering Committee. “The reality of the coming facility is within our sights.”

Funding sources for this project began with the lead gift from the State of Wisconsin at $5.65 million. Coupled with expected proceeds of $1.6 million in New Market Tax Credits and local donations, the project is entering into design and bidding in the next months.

“Local communities and businesses raised nearly $380,000 for Phase 1 of the project,” said Allie Plessner of Forward Insurance Company, a co-chair of the Flambeau River YMCA Steering Committee. “This reinforces the community’s desire and need to get a YMCA. The door is still open for contributions as we raise for the next phase of construction.”

Planned features of the first phase of the Flambeau River YMCA include a childcare center, 24/7 wellness center, group exercise area, and space for senior programs and family engagement. The YMCA will be affiliated with the Rhinelander-based YMCA of the Northwoods. Construction is slated to start in summer 2024 with the facility opening in summer 2025.

“The YMCA will enhance the quality of life in so many ways from the health of our members to the lifting the economy and underserved.” said YMCA of the Northwoods CEO Linda May. “The steering and fundraising committee volunteers are the true champions of this vision.”

The Y is one of the nation’s leading nonprofits strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. Across the U.S., 2700 Ys engage 21 million men, women and children – regardless of the age, income or background – to nurture their potential. Anchored in more than 10,000 communities, the Y has the long-standing relationships and physical presence not just to promise, but to deliver, lasting personal and social change.