‘First-class’ YMCA opens in Eldridge

Bill and Joan Erps are saying goodbye to the Davenport West YMCA. The Eldridge couple have been making the 22-mile round trip to the West Y for more than a decade. But that ends today, Monday, Dec. 5, when the new North Scott Community YMCA opens for business in their hometown.  “Now, we’re going to […]

Bill and Joan Erps are saying goodbye to the Davenport West YMCA. The Eldridge couple have been making the 22-mile round trip to the West Y for more than a decade. But that ends today, Monday, Dec. 5, when the new North Scott Community YMCA opens for business in their hometown.  “Now, we’re going to have a 16-block round trip. … We’re just tickled to death about this place,” said Mr. Erps, on Friday night, Dec. 2, during an invitation-only dedication ceremony to welcome the new YMCA, located at 1034 S. 3rd Ave., Eldridge.

That ceremony, which attracted more than 100 people, brought together community and business leaders, YMCA officials and many of the YMCA’s financial supporters for a ribbon-cutting ceremony and tours of the new facility. A public open house was held Saturday, Dec. 4, ahead of the new YMCA’s opening at 4:30 a.m. today. Friday’s brief ceremony was largely a night to thank supporters, the community and many others for backing the project, which has been in the planning stages since about 2014. A ground-breaking ceremony was held March 30, 2021. The new YMCA cost about $12.5 million to build, and will have 40 to 50 employees, according to Brad Martell, president and CEO of the YMCA of the Iowa Mississippi Valley. In addition to offering a variety of services for the community, several leaders said they hope the new YMCA will help form stronger bonds in the community. “I’m hoping this facility will allow our community to come together,” said Eldridge Mayor Frank King during the Friday ceremony. During the dedication, Mr. King added that he has lived in the same home for 30 years, but doesn’t know the people who live two houses from him in his own neighborhood. That’s because of the busy, hectic work and family schedules many people face. The new YMCA could help people get to better know each other, he added. Residents and visitors who got the chance to look over the new YMCA on Friday loved what they saw. “It’s beautiful. It’s definitely something we need, and we’ve been working on this for a long time,” said Bob Kuehl of Eldridge. Mr. Martell called the new Y – the latest new facility for the YMCA of the Iowa Mississippi Valley – a “first-class facility.” “Since the YMCA began here in this area way back in 1858, the leadership of volunteers and community partners has ensured that the mission spreads and inspires as many people as possible. This is a perfect example of a community coming together to serve more and to develop a healthy spirit, mind and body for all,” Mr. Martell said in a statement before Friday’s ceremony. Some of the North Scott Community YMCA’s features include: a competition swimming pool for North Scott High School, a family leisure pool, gymnasium, locker rooms, indoor track, cardio and weight rooms, treadmills, a track for running and walking, weight-lifting equipment, a sauna and whirlpool. The North Scott Community YMCA has been funded by the City of Eldridge and North Scott Community School District. The YMCA, via a collaborative capital campaign group, raised funds for the equipment. More information on the new YMCA can be found at https://www.ymcaimv.org/north-scott-ymca/. Several gathered at Friday’s ceremony said they were glad the long wait to build and open the new YMCA was over. Now, it’s time to open the facility to the public. “Let’s open the doors. Let people in. Start the excitement,” said Joni Dittmer, chairman of the North Scott School Board.