New Wayman D. Palmer YMCA marks construction milestone

The Wayman D. Palmer YMCA celebrated a significant milestone in the construction of its new facility with a topping-off ceremony Monday.

Topping off is a builder’s term when the last beam is placed atop a structure during its construction. At the YMCA project, attendees were allowed to sign their names to that final beam.

“The topping-off ceremony signifies a significant step forward in the journey towards the opening of the new Wayman D. Palmer YMCA,” said Brad Toft, president and chief executive of the YMCA of Greater Toledo.

The new Wayman D. Palmer YMCA on Bancroft Street — a few hundred feet from the current Y on 14th Street — will feature state-of-the-art amenities, including a multi-use swimming pool, an outdoor splash pad, a large updated gymnasium, a wellness center, multi-purpose space, and partner space.

It will include Toledo Public Schools Head Start Early Childhood education facilities; the T.A.C.K.L.E Program, which is a youth mental health provider; and the Toledo Northwest Food Bank, which is partnering with the YMCA on a food pantry.

The new facility will serve the whole neighborhood, Mr. Toft said.

“I’m so excited about what we have going in here,” Mr. Toft said. “This will transform the neighborhood. It’s going to have a great impact. It will be a place where kids can play basketball, learn how to swim, hang out in a safe environment, where seniors can become healthier, and where families can come together. It’s going to be a tremendous resource for this neighborhood.”

The current facility will be torn down to make way for a new park.

“The building is really old. It’s located where a park used to be. When the building is torn down, a new park and green space will be developed,” Mr. Toft said.

Mayor Wade Kapszukiewicz said the topping-off ceremony represented a significant step forward in the journey toward a vibrant and inclusive Toledo.

“With each beam, we’re building not just a structure, but an opportunity to create unity and community. Together, we’re shaping a future where every neighborhood thrives,” Mr. Kapszukiewicz said.

The city bankrolled most of the $30 million facility using funds from the American Rescue Plan Act, a pandemic stimulus measure, Mr. Kapszukiewicz said.

“This is a reminder of the impact we’re trying to make with ARPA funds. We’ve had some folks suggest the funds be invested in salary expenses, but what happens when the ARPA funds run out? These dollars are best spent on a one-time cost that will have a lasting effect,” Mr. Kapszukiewicz said.

The 50,000-square-foot facility is expected to open in the spring of 2025.

“We are immensely proud of the progress we achieved thus far, and eagerly anticipate welcoming the community through the doors of our new facility,” Mr. Toft said.