Category: Development Updates

Revolutionizing Health & Wellness: Duneland Family YMCA Breaks Ground on Innovative Healthy Living Campus With Million Dollar Support From READI2.0

Posted on by Kasia Zega

On Tuesday, September 10th, the bleachers surrounding the old football field located at 651 W Morgan Avenue in Chesterton found themselves filled for one last event. Community members of all ages and walks of life, elected officials, and Duneland Family YMCA staff gathered to witness the historic groundbreaking event for the new Duneland Family YMCA Healthy Living Campus. This ambitious and innovative project, which will see both adaptive reuse of the former high school and middle school property as well as new construction, is set to reimagine the concept of community wellness. “Today’s groundbreaking ceremony symbolizes more than just the start of a new building; it marks the beginning of a brighter future for our community,” said Duneland Family YMCA CEO Dave Kasarda. “This YMCA will be a beacon of hope and a hub of opportunity, fostering growth, unity, and wellness for every individual we serve. Each shovel of earth turned is a step toward enriching lives and strengthening our community fabric.”

Joining YMCA speakers at the event were representatives from the Duneland School Corporation, the Duneland Chamber of Commerce, Cleveland Cliffs, Berglund Construction, Moake Park, and elected town and state officials who have expressed their excitement and support of the project. Also throwing their support towards the in-depth, phased project is the Indiana Economic Development Corporation, who have recognized the Duneland Family YMCA Healthy Living Campus as the first project in Northwest Indiana to benefit from being awarded READI2.0 funds, which were allocated by the governor’s office to accelerate shovel-ready projects that will transform communities while improving their quality of life. The Duneland Family YMCA is ecstatic to receive a one-million-dollar grant award while being the first in the region to receive such crucial support to bolster the project. “Support from the IEDC and READI 2.0 funding is crucial to the Duneland Family YMCA Healthy Living Campus as it empowers us to expand our programs and services, ensuring that we can continue to meet the evolving health and wellness needs of our community,” said Kasarda. “This investment supports innovative approaches to healthy living, strengthens our capacity for outreach, and allows us to create a more inclusive environment where every individual has the opportunity to thrive.”

Duneland Family YMCA CEO, Dave Kasarda, Addresses Attendees at the Duneland YMCA Healthy Living Campus Ground Breaking Ceremony
 

Having long outgrown the current Duneland Family YMCA site, the new campus will repurpose portions the existing 225,000-square-foot building, with future new construction adding to a planned total 105,000 square-foot facility, which will allow for expanded YMCA programming as well as the inclusion of collocated partners focusing on health, early childhood education, the arts and environment: making this first-of-its-kind YMCA so much more than just a gym. Additionally, the 20-acre community park, sponsored by Cleveland Cliffs, will be open daily to the public. These new features and wealth of opportunities are set to increase not only traffic to the YMCA and their partners, but also to small businesses in the greater Duneland community as well. “This groundbreaking represents a significant step towards the Y’s part in the strengthening our community, fostering economic growth, and deepening our commitment of stewardship and connection within the Duneland Community,” said Chairman of the Duneland YMCA, Jim Trout. “The board and I are thrilled to be part of something that will leave a lasting and positive impact for generations to come.”

Generations were in fact on hand to mark the official kickoff of the project with participants ranging in age from lifelong Duneland residents who walked the campus halls as high schoolers decades ago to current YMCA preschoolers on hand to lead the Pledge of Allegiance. The reverberating impact of this legacy project was not lost on YMCA Healthy Living Campus Chairman Elizabeth Adcock, who expressed, “It’s emotional to see this dream become a reality for this community. The impact of the Healthy Living Campus will be measurable, and I anticipate it will exceed any expectations that we have had to this point.”

Local contractor Berglund Construction will oversee the project. Kasarda has referred to the project as a marathon, not a sprint, and it is important to note that select YMCA programming has been and will continue to safely take place on the new campus during the construction phases. “Today is a historic day in Northwest Indiana as we break ground on the Healthy Living Campus,” said President, Building Division and Chief Growth Officer, Berglund Construction Jeff Berglund. “We are proud to be the construction manager of this innovative development. We value our close partnership with the Duneland YMCA and will work alongside the Y to ensure the community is brought along through the construction process. We look forward to a safe and productive project.”

With the groundbreaking officially underway, the YMCA continues to actively work towards garnering additional support via the YHLC Community Campaign. Those interested in pledging their support and/or keeping up to date with progress at the campus can visit https://yhlcduneland.org.

About the Y

The Y is one of the nation’s leading nonprofits, strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. Across the U.S., 2,700 Ys engage 21 million men, women, and children – regardless of age, income, or background – to nurture the potential of children and teens, improve the nation’s health and well-being, and provide opportunities to give back and support neighbors. Anchored in more than 10,000 communities, the Y has long-standing relationships and a physical presence not just to promise but to deliver lasting personal and social change. More information can be located at www.dunelandymca.org.

About the Duneland YMCA Healthy Living Campus Project

At the Y, we believe that when we devote our full strength to our mission and cause, work in partnership with others, and build on our commitment to the children, families, and underserved people of Duneland, we can address the most pressing issues of our community unlike any other organization. The Healthy Living Campus is combining adaptive reuse and new construction to create a new community hub and park in the heart of Chesterton. With the inclusion of multiple non-profit and healthcare partners, we are building

Strengthening Community Ties: Duneland Family YMCA, Berglund Construction Meet With Healthy Living Campus Neighbors to Provide Site Updates

Posted on by Kasia Zega

On Tuesday, August 27th, the Duneland Family YMCA was joined by the team from Berglund Construction at the site of the new YMCA Healthy Living Campus to meet with neighbors and other local community members to give site updates and answer current questions and concerns. Approximately 60 community members filled the room to listen to a presentation from Duneland Family YMCA CEO Dave Kasarda regarding a general overview of the campus plan and goals, followed by construction phase updates from President, Building Division and Chief Growth Officer, Berglund Construction Jeff Berglund, and his team. Noting the turnout, Berglund said, “The crowd size here reflects the community’s excitement for the project and what it is going to mean for Duneland.”

Kasarda began by explaining that as the groundbreaking and demolition phases are imminent, starting on Tuesday, September 10th, ongoing programming at 651 W. Morgan Avenue will continue throughout the construction process. “You’ve likely seen activities already taking place at the campus, soccer, t-ball, flag football, and that will continue this fall,” ensured Kasarda. “Pool activities, both our programming and the Duneland Youth Swim Club, will be able to continue as normal as well.” In addition to Y programming taking place at the new campus during construction phases, Kasarda also was happy to announce that many of the partnerships the Duneland School Corporation had with other local youth organizations, such as Pop Warner Cheerleading and lacrosse, will be maintained and active on campus this fall also. Kasarda wrapped his introductory portion of the evening stating that the YMCA will remain at 215 Roosevelt Street as well until all the organization’s services can be moved and housed under one roof. “At that time our Board of Directors will decide what happens to the current Y site,” reported Kasarda. “They will decide what is the best for the organization.”

Kasarda then turned the floor over to the team from Berglund Construction, who will be overseeing the demolition and construction phases at the YHLC. Duneland native Berglund made a point to emphasize to the neighbors and community members present that this project is of utmost importance not only professionally, but personally as well. “We want to be very thoughtful about this project,” said Berglund. “I’m from here, I live here now with my family, and so this isn’t just another project for us it’s personal.”

Fellow Duneland resident, Nick Fenton, Senior Project Manager, Berglund Construction, echoed Berglund’s sentiments. In preparation for demolition, Fenton explained that thorough interior work and abatement is currently ongoing as part of Phase 1 and will be completed before September demolition to ensure safety to the community and workers during Phase 2.

Jeremy Thorud, COO, American Demolition Corporation will oversee Phase 2 demolition taking place September through November 2024 and chimed in after Fenton’s segment to give an overview of his company’s process. Explaining that the demolition will be a controlled takedown by mechanical means, Thorud also took the time to explain watering and dust control steps that will be taken to help keep the site and surrounding properties clean and safe. Additionally, recycling procedures will be followed during Phase 2 to keep debris out of local landfills as much as possible. Chris Savoia, Senior Estimator, Berglund Construction, spoke alongside Thorud to point out what safety measures his team will take during Phase 2, which will include six-foot perimeter fencing around the property, implementation of safety signage, and controlled traffic routes coming and going off 8th Street for workers, who will be onsite 7:00AM-3:00PM Monday through Friday.

Phase 3 and Phase 4 will include west wall construction and winterization of the building November 2024 through January 2025, with additional site work and landscaping getting underway Spring 2025. Throughout all phases, Dave Gant, Superintendent, Berglund Construction, reiterated that the site safety approach would be twofold, focusing on both workers and the community. In addition to physical safety interventions previously discussed by Savoia, Gant said before anyone steps foot on the site they will undergo thorough orientation. “We take safety seriously, and have a great safety record,” said Gant. “Everyone goes home safe each night and those living nearby feel safe coming and going each day, that’s the goal.”

A Closer Look at Demolitions

 

Once the floor was open to the public, Kasarda and Berglund acknowledged and addressed the following concerns:

  • A resident was concerned about whether sidewalks around the site would be closed during construction because of the number of daily walkers. Kasarda reported yes, sidewalks would need to be closed for safety during construction with walkers being safely diverted across the street to other sidewalks. The team reported they would talk with the Town of Chesterton, who oversees the detour sidewalks that the resident deemed unsafe and try to level out via grinding if feasible. A second resident piggybacked off this concern asking if the track would remain open during demolition and construction, which Kasarda said it would be until the very end of those phases, because that could be a safe walking alternative for residents.
 
  • Dog dropping concerns from a resident, if walkers diverted away from the current stations onsite. Kasarda said that while he hopes people are encouraged to be responsible with their pets, the Y cannot police them.
 
  • Campus neighbor voiced concerns about parking, specifically along Morgan in front of her house. Berglund assured the resident that during construction workers will park inside the fenced off area and not on the roads. He went on to explain that the eventual new, larger parking lot put in by the Y will help with parking in the long run for residents as visitors won’t have any need to park on the street. Later, a second resident asked if they foresee the need for a parking garage because of the increased traffic coming to the campus, but again Berglund said his team is confident with their calculations for the parking lot size and the Y has no plans to build such a structure.
 
  • Another resident asked if there are future plans for an outdoor pool on campus. Kasarda said he would not recommend such an addition to the Board of Directors because it is simply too expensive for the non-profit to justify for the 10-week period the outdoor pool can be open. In recent years, the pool at 215 Roosevelt Street was only operational approximately 40 days out of the 70 days open because of the weather. He went on to explain that the current indoor pool will remain chlorinated, not salt water as a resident inquired about, and will remain at one controlled temperature.
 
  • A member was concerned about spikes in fees as Y transitions to new location. Kasarda explained that the organization has no intention of implementing drastic rate changes. “We aren’t looking to increase rates to cover this, and we aren’t looking to go into debt with this, which is why we are tackling it in phases.”
 
  • A community member asked if the Y had any plans for those who would want a piece of history from the former Chesterton High School, such as the bricks that the Yost PTO had available. Kasarda reported that, “The Duneland School Corporation has been diligent to go through and do their best to preserve the important historical items and you will see the new entry here at the Y will reflect that Chesterton High School was here.”
 
  • Someone is the audience asked for clarification on what an “airnasium” is. Kasarda explained that is a structure sturdier than a typical park structure with concrete flooring, restrooms, and a kitchen. The Y envisions that it will be used for camps, classes, concerts, family reunions, etc.
 
  • An inquiry was made about updating sidewalks and streets around the YHLC for better traffic flow and management. Kasarda and Berglund both spoke on the subject of connecting local trails to the campus as well as working with the Duneland Chamber to best direct traffic back into downtown to benefit local small businesses. Both noted that the Town of Chesterton and their parks department have been collaborating on such logistics regularly during the Y’s planning phases, with board member Elizabeth Adcock, who was in the audience, stating that they were doing their best to get through red tape in order to secure safe passage to the campus for all, especially the local youth.
 
  • The last community concern of the night was from a resident asking what happens to the large-scale project when the money runs dry? Kasarda replied that, “This is a marathon, which will take several years to complete, and we ask for your patience and support.” Reiterating that the project will take place in phases to ensure successful completion, Berglund stated, “Spring of 2025 we will have an enclosed building, parking lot, green space including the Cleveland Cliffs Park. We will not be leaving you with a hole in the ground.”

In wrapping the evening, Kasarda thanked the audience for their time and input at the meeting while encouraging them to remain involved via social media, the YHLC website, and by participating in the Community Campaign is so inclined. “Every gift counts,” said Kasarda. “Communities get stronger by supporting each other.” Those interested in supporting the YHLC Community Campaign and/or keeping up to date with progress at the campus can visit https://yhlcduneland.org.

About the Y

The Y is one of the nation’s leading nonprofits, strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. Across the U.S., 2,700 Ys engage 21 million men, women, and children – regardless of age, income, or background – to nurture the potential of children and teens, improve the nation’s health and well-being, and provide opportunities to give back and support neighbors. Anchored in more than 10,000 communities, the Y has long-standing relationships and a physical presence not just to promise but to deliver lasting personal and social change. More information can be located at www.dunelandymca.org.

About the Duneland YMCA Healthy Living Campus Project

At the Y, we believe that when we devote our full strength to our mission and cause, work in partnership with others, and build on our commitment to the children, families, and underserved people of Duneland, we can address the most pressing issues of our community unlike any other organization. The Healthy Living Campus is combining adaptive reuse and new construction to create a new community hub and park in the heart of Chesterton. With the inclusion of multiple non-profit and healthcare partners, we are building more than just a YMCA. The campus will be an innovative space fostering

Duneland Education Foundation Pledges Support for STEM Education with Generous Investment in the Duneland YMCA’s Healthy Living Campus

Posted on Updated on by Kasia Zega

Duneland Education Foundation Pledges Support for STEM Education with Generous Investment in the Duneland YMCA’s Healthy Living Campus

Pictured (from left to right): Dave Kasarda, CEO of Duneland Family YMCA ; Abby Evans, secretary of DEF; Meg McCarel, executive Director of DEF ; John Kroft and Darlene Kittredge, founding board members of DEF ; Jim Trout, Chief Volunteer Officer of Duneland Family YMCA ; Elissa Dortmund, President of the Board of Directors of DEF

For Immediate Release – June 18, 2024 Press Release

As a long-standing non-profit staple in the Duneland community, the Duneland Family YMCA is elated to have strengthened its relationship with another local non-profit that is also continuously positively impacting our youth. The Duneland Education Foundation, founded in the mid-1980’s, has been steadily expanding upon their efforts to enhance the learning experiences for children in Duneland and their donation towards a STEM room at the new Healthy Living Campus is a significant move indeed. 

Noting their confidence that the YHLC will serve as a vibrant community center in the heart of downtown Chesterton, the foundation’s board of directors was excited to explore their possibilities to both benefit the masses while also honoring their founding members.

"As our foundation began discussing the possibility of donating to the YHLC, we wanted to make sure we chose something that would match our goal of enhancing educational experiences with the Duneland community. When the board learned of the opportunity to put our donation toward a STEM room, we never looked back!"

Elissa Dortmund, sitting president of the Duneland Education Foundation

The foundation’s director, Meg McCarel, echoed Dortmund’s excitement in getting involved with the YHLC project as the foundation’s board expands upon their community works. “It is so exciting to work with this board,” exclaimed McCarel. “We are now more visible than ever before and are finding new, fun ways to help the students and teachers in our community.”

 

While the Duneland Family YMCA has offered a handful of engaging STEM related programs and activities over the years, the ability to have the space at the YHLC to build out a dedicated space for STEM will be a game-changer for Y programming. Stepping in to support this opportunity and make it happen was seemingly kismet for the foundation, who at their core seek out these types of moments to best benefit students and educators. “Being able to give Duneland youth a place to enhance their learning in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics is the perfect way to give back! I am incredibly excited to see this room in action and so proud of our foundation for making the decision to support this incredible project,” exclaimed Dortmund.

 

It goes without saying that as the Duneland Family YMCA continues to forge ahead with finalizing plans for the YHLC, these types of investments are undoubtedly appreciated and imperative to bring this first of its kind vision to light. “The philanthropic gift made by the Duneland Education Foundation to the Duneland YMCA’s Healthy Living Campus STEM classroom is a truly transformative investment in our community’s future,” said Dave Kasarda, Duneland Family YMCA CEO. “It not only enhances educational opportunities by providing vital resources for STEM learning but also empowers our youth to develop essential skills for tomorrow’s challenges. This contribution underscores their commitment to fostering innovation, education, and health, creating a brighter, more promising future for all.”

 

This announcement follows closely on the heels of the Duneland Family YMCA’s announcement of the extraordinary contribution from the Cleveland-Cliffs Foundation for a 20-acre public park on the YHLC campus. More information regarding this project and how to contribute to the capital campaign can be found at www.yhlcduneland.org.

 

About the Y

The Y is one of the nation’s leading nonprofits, strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. Across the U.S., 2,700 Ys engage 21 million men, women, and children – regardless of age, income, or background – to nurture the potential of children and teens, improve the nation’s health and well-being, and provide opportunities to give back and support neighbors. Anchored in more than 10,000 communities, the Y has long-standing relationships and a physical presence not just to promise but to deliver lasting personal and social change. More information can be located at www.dunelandymca.org.

 

About the Duneland YMCA Healthy Living Campus Project

At the Y, we believe that when we devote our full strength to our mission and cause, work in partnership with others, and build on our commitment to the children, families, and underserved people of Duneland, we can address the most pressing issues of our community unlike any other organization. The Healthy Living Campus is combining adaptive reuse and new construction to create a new community hub and park in the heart of Chesterton. With the inclusion of several non-profit and healthcare partners, we are building more than just a YMCA. The campus will be an innovative space fostering collaboration within a one-stop-shop capable of addressing a variety of community health and wellness needs.

Learn More!

The New Duneland YMCA and Healthy Living Campus is on it’s way!

Posted on by Izzy Hutnick

A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the Duneland Family YMCA and the Duneland School Corporation (DSC) has been executed by the Duneland School Board of Directors. The MOU was unanimously supported by the Board of Directors at their meeting on Monday, April 3, 2023.

For Immediate Release – April 3, 2023 DSC YMCA PRESS RELEASE

This MOU results from a shared vision for the future of this property, dedicated leadership, and the support of our partners. This is the first step toward a new YMCA in Duneland. We can’t wait to continue this story with our members, staff, and the Duneland Community.

“The new YMCA, the Healthy Living Campus it will anchor, and the creation of a community park will help advance the Y’s cause and stand as a testament to the visionary leadership of the YMCA, the DSC Board, and our partners.”

Dave Kasarda, CEO of the Duneland YMCA

The MOU gives the YMCA the right to renovate and build on the portion of the Chesterton Middle School (CMS) site not designated for demolition or continued use by the DSC. The MOU allows the YMCA and its collaborative partners to reimagine, repurpose and add to the remaining facility and surrounding real estate. The new Duneland YMCA and the YMCA Healthy Living Campus it will anchor are being designed to serve as an education, health, and social equity hub accessible to all Duneland community residents.

You can learn more about the new Duneland YMCA, the YMCA Healthy Living Campus, and its partners in the link below. For a better us. For a better Duneland. Tomorrow begins today!

YMCA Healthy Living Campus of Duneland
YHLC FAQs

Duneland YMCA and Duneland School Corporation announce partnership to develop Chesterton Middle School property

Posted on by Megan Mussche

Duneland YMCA and Duneland School Corporation announce partnership to develop Chesterton Middle School

August 9th, 2022

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CHESTERT0N, IN, AUGUST 9, 2022 – The Duneland School Corporation (DSC) and the Duneland YMCA (YMCA) will begin talks to transform the current Chesterton Middle School (CMS) into an education, health, and wellness hub. Responding to DSC’s request for a community partner, the YMCA is working to be a catalyst for change and collaboration in Chesterton and the Duneland communities through the development of a healthy living campus on the current middle school site.

The YMCA and DSC have a long and successful history of program, service, and facility-based partnership. The development of the CMS site as the new home of the YMCA would be a continuation and expansion of the relationship between the two organizations. The Y is currently engaged in collaborative discussions with a wide variety of non-profit agencies and major employers in the region. Included in this group of potential, collocated partners are: Town of Chesterton, Duneland Chamber of Commerce, Franciscan Health, Northshore Health Centers, Jacob’s Ladder, Porter Starke Services, and Visiting Nurses Association.

“To better address the expectations of the Y’s members, and meet the needs of the community, the Y was looking to renovate or replace our current facility,” said YMCA Board Chair Elizabeth Adcock. “The opportunity presented by the Duneland School Corporation, and the middle school site will allow the Y to exceed member expectations as well as meet current and emerging needs in collaboration with providers and employers whose work compliments, supplements and supports our own.”

Chesterton Middle School, located between West Morgan Avenue and Porter Avenue in Chesterton, was previously the site of Chesterton High School from 1922-2000. As part of its long-term capital improvement plan to reduce operational costs, DSC is moving from nine school buildings to eight. Plans call for DSC to continue housing district administrative offices, student programs in early childhood, virtual, and alternative education, a wellness clinic for corporation employees, and a 25-meter competition pool for competitive club and school programs on the east side of the current CMS site. Parts of the building west of the pool are not part of future plans and set to close when construction at the Liberty and Westchester campuses is completed. Due to construction delays, the Liberty and Westchester campuses will not be ready for students in grades 7th & 8th until August 2024. As a result, CMS will continue to host 7th & 8th grade students through May 2024. The facility, in need of extensive renovation and site work, will be reimagined and repurposed by the YMCA and its partners.

“Long-term sustainability, evolving relevance, and transformational impact are strategic priorities for the YMCA,” said YMCA CEO Dave Kasarda. “The opportunity presented to the YMCA and our potential partners allows us to address these mandates as well as collaboratively multiply resources, significantly expand our reach and increase access to needed programs and services across a broader cross-section of the Duneland communities.”

The YMCA has moved through a comprehensive planning and investigative process seeking input and direction from its membership and community leaders, as well as current and potential partners.

This insight, along with information provided by nationally recognized consultants and market research has helped the Y envision itself as a catalyst for positive change and collaboration. The YMCA’s volunteer leadership has chosen to engage the school corporation on the redevelopment of the middle school property as a result of its study, the recommendation of its consultants and the endorsement of potential partners.

“The Y has been very deliberate and disciplined in its approach to identifying community needs, seeking collaborative partners and considering locations that will enhance operations,” said Elizabeth Adcock. “We believe that the CMS site and an expanded relationship with DSC affords the Y the best opportunity to change the way we and are partners support each other and serve the community.”

The YMCA is a nonprofit organization, serving over 5,000 people annually via programs, outreach, and events throughout the Duneland Communities. The Duneland YMCA is part of the national YMCA movement, operating in 10,000 communities across the US. The YMCA, which does not deny services due to an inability to pay, serves the community by providing opportunities for individuals of all walks of life focusing on youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility.

“The school corporation is excited about the possibilities this partnership presents for extended and innovative use of the CMS site in service to the entire community,” said Duneland School Corporation Superintendent of Schools Dr. Chip Pettit. “The School Board and I look forward to participating in the development process with the Y and its impressive list of potential partners.”

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