The new $12 million Clarion County YMCA opened Thursday.
“We did it,” YMCA director Jesse Kelley said during the ribbon-cutting ceremony at the facility on Mayfield Road. “This is a vehicle for us to do miracles. It is a chance to change people’s lives,” Kelley added.
Former YMCA board chairman Ron Wilshire said “When we started this project people said Clarion would get a new Y when hell freezes over. Considering the temperature today, I think this qualifies.”
“Our ancestors understood that they were building a community and molding its culture for generations to come,” said Al Lander, co-chairman of the capital campaign. “They passed it onto us as trustees for the next generation. Today we walk on the stage of life and we stand shoulder-to-shoulder and eye-to-eye with our ancestors.”
Tom Spence, CEO of the Scenic Rivers YMCA, said he was “humbled” to be at the opening of the YMCA. He thanked the staff and the volunteers of the YMCA for their dedication and support.
“We couldn’t do it without them,” Spence said.
Video messages from Gov. Tom Wolf and Rep. Donna Oberlander were played.
There are also conference rooms, outpatient rehabilitation an outdoor athletic field, work stations, kitchen, multi-purpose rooms, men’s and women’s locker rooms, family locker rooms, an outdoor deck for picnics and receptions, and a chapel.
For additional information, call (814) 764-3400 or visit www.clarioncountyymca.org.