The Duneland Family YMCA marked a significant milestone on September 10th with the groundbreaking of its ambitious and innovative Healthy Living Campus. The event, held at the site of the former high school and middle school on W Morgan Avenue, drew community members, officials, and stakeholders who came together to celebrate a transformative development for the region.
Berglund Construction will oversee the adaptive reuse of the 225,000-square-foot existing structure and the construction of a new 105,000-square-foot facility. This state-of-the-art campus will enable the YMCA to expand its health and wellness programs, integrating services from partners focused on early childhood education, the arts, and environmental initiatives.
"We are proud to be the construction manager for such a groundbreaking project," said Jeff Berglund, President of Building Division and Chief Growth Officer. "The Healthy Living Campus represents a tremendous opportunity for the community, and we are honored to work alongside the Duneland YMCA to make this vision a reality. Our team is dedicated to ensuring a safe and productive construction process, while fostering transparency and engagement with the community throughout the project."
Our partnership with the Duneland Family YMCA underscores our commitment to community-driven projects that foster growth and opportunity. "This is more than just a construction project," added Berglund. "It's about creating a space that will serve as a hub for wellness, learning, and connection for years to come."
The project is further bolstered by a $1 million grant from READI 2.0 funds, marking it as the first initiative in Northwest Indiana to receive such support. These funds, allocated by the governor’s office, will accelerate the development and ensure the campus fulfills its mission to enhance community life.
As construction begins, YMCA CEO Dave Kasarda emphasized the long-term impact of this development. "This groundbreaking signifies the start of a brighter future for our community. Every shovel of earth turned is a step toward strengthening our community fabric and enhancing the lives of every individual we serve."
The new campus, located on a sprawling 20-acre site, will not only provide expanded facilities for YMCA programming but also introduce a public park sponsored by Cleveland Cliffs, aimed at increasing community access to green spaces. The revitalization of the area is expected to benefit not only YMCA members but also local businesses as it attracts more visitors to the region.
Duneland Family YMCA Chairman Jim Trout also expressed excitement for the project. "This development will leave a lasting and positive impact on our community for generations. We are thrilled to have Berglund Construction at the helm to bring this vision to life."
