Strengthening Our Community Since 1878
Since our establishment in Keokuk in 1878, the YMCA has strived to meet the healthy living and social needs of the area.
The Y works hard to be a positive force in our area, and still we face challenges. Adults in Lee County confront some of greatest hurdles to a healthy life in the state of Iowa. Our children deal with difficult learning gaps. Families find it difficult to spend quality time together.
But when challenges arise, the Y steps in. In the past few years, we’ve opened a Teen Center, where students have a safe and engaging place to go after school. We’ve created Family Fun Days, where the entire family can spend an afternoon together. We’ve offered retirement classes for seniors, and wholistic wellness seminars for all adults. We’ve invested in the programs and equipment that help make us all healthier.
Thanks to a community needs assessment, our board and staff have identified several capital improvements that are necessary to maintain quality programs and expand services.In all, $850,000 is required.
Our board has organized a capital fund-raising campaign – Creating a Better Tomorrow – to ensure that we accomplish all that must be done.
We hope you will choose to invest in the values and lives of those we serve.
Our Plans for the Future
The board has approved an improvement plan that will address some of the association’s most pressing needs
A renovation of the space outside the gym will replace the racquetball courts with additional programming space. On the main floor, it will provide a multi-purpose classroom and exercise studio, serving at times as the Teen Center and also serving as an exercise studio for classes such as aerobics, barre and cycling, among other things.
The addition of second story will provide a large group exercise space. This would give karate and other large group classes a more suitable home, which in turn also frees up the gym.
And the plan calls for renovation and improvements to the lockers and showers. This area has not seen major improvements since the building was constructed nearly 45 years ago. The lockers and showers see extensive use by aquatics classes and other swimmers, plus it is used by many members and guests who need a place to change and shower before and after their workouts.
In addition to updating the finishes in this area, it will provide additional private areas for changing and showering and be more handicapped accessible.