Marshfield Clinic Health System YMCA Facility Will Serve Community’s Growing Needs
Earlier this afternoon, Marshfield Area YMCA broke ground for renovations and
additions to the Marshfield Clinic Health System YMCA facility, an estimated $10.4 million project that is designed to serve the growing needs of the community. Timeline, building renderings and floor plans were also revealed.
The expansion of the Marshfield Clinic Health System YMCA is designed to help the organization accommodate community growth, serving individuals and families in search of well-being while forging strategic partnerships to help the Y carry out its mission. The expansion also will allow the YMCA to expand prevention and health-related services to the community.
Day campers greeted those in attendance with songs, including an adaptation of the Village People’s “YMCA” and “Heads, Shoulders, Knees, and Toes.”
Marshfield Area YMCA CEO John Nystrom began the ceremony, providing project background and thanking those in attendance for their continued support.
“We knew that while the work we are doing has a lasting effect on those we serve, we knew we could do more,” he said. “This day has been a long time in the making and would not be possible without all of you.”
Vice-Chief Volunteer Officer and Capital Campaign Co-Chair Dave Meissner also spoke of the “long and bumpy” road that led to this day, including the death of Dave and Tammy’s son, Jeremy.
“We all gained an angel,” said Meissner. “On behalf of Tammy and myself, it has been an honor to serve with a staff and people that are so committed to our community. I personally want to thank everyone who has supported this campaign.”
Bill Sennholz, Chief Volunteer Officer & Capital Campaign Co-Chair, spoke about the need for this facility in the community and the importance of collaboration to its success.
“We are so proud of the work we are able to do here, and we know we can do more,” he said. “And that’s what this campaign is all about. With a vision this big, we can’t do it alone. We need partners to maximize our collective strength. We are so pleased to be working with Marshfield Clinic Health Systems, Wood County Head Start, and the Marshfield School District. We all win and you are here to help make this happen. Thank you all.”
Wisconsin State Representative John Spiros (District 86), shared how the YMCA impacted his life from a young age.
“When I was young, the Y was a place I used to go,” he said. “Growing up, the Y was always the place to play basketball. I coached sports when I was younger and my kids started with the Y. I had a good support system and I think the Y does that for us, and for the community. The Y strengthens our bonds and our communities.”
MACCI Executive Director Scott Larson commended the Marshfield community for making this project a reality.
“What a great showing this project is,” he said. “This community has come together and has been able to provide the necessary funding to make this project take place. That’s what this community does. There is really nothing this community can’t do when it puts its mind to it.”
Dr. Susan Turney, CEO for Marshfield Clinic Health System credited Nystrom and his staff for his bold vision, and spoke to the importance of having a comprehensive and community approach to health care.
“Today is really an exciting day for the Marshfield community,” she said. “The YMCA is a big part of our community and we’re delighted to be helping make that vision for the future a reality.”
“Healthier people are happier people,” she added. “We are now one step closer to making this dream come true.”
Representing Cinnaire, a full-service community development financial partner that supports community stabilization and economic development, was Chris Laurent.
“Our job is to strengthen communities. We have a couple of tools we use to do that,” said Laurent, explaining various tax credits that are being used to assist the project. “The power of ‘we’ is far greater than the power of ‘I’.”
Closing the speeches was Tim Kippenhan, Vice President & COO of Miron Construction, who spoke about the construction process ahead, which is expected to take about 18 months.
“I want to start out by thanking Marshfield Clinic Health Systems YMCA for placing their trust in Miron,” he said. “We’re truly humbled and honored.”
Following the speaking portion of the ceremony was a groundbreaking. Community leaders, donors, project partners and YMCA volunteers, membership, and children were present for the ceremony.
