There’s a big step forward on a long-awaited Ottawa YMCA building project. The Y and OSF Healthcare have announced a partnership to get it done. Caitlyn Parker with OSF says the hospital system and the Y will create a committee to develop the community recreation center. It will include a full service wellness center, a healthy eating community kitchen, and more.
OSF is also giving a grant to the Y to help pay for it. The project cost isn’t certain yet. YMCA Executive Director Joe Capece says cost estimates will be worked on soon, but the working figure for some time has been $20 million. Parker says OSF’s grant amount isn’t being announced yet.
It’s been about four years since the Y, the hospital, Ottawa High School, and the city of Ottawa put money into a feasibility study. The plan is for the new center to be on the north Illinois Riverfront close to downtown where the old Central School track remains.