The Truth Staff
The Wayman Palmer YMCA is well underway to meeting the agency’s goal of opening its newly constructed facility in early 2025. On Monday, May 20, a topping-off ceremony was held on site to mark an important step in the process.
The last beam was placed on top of the building as staff, elected officials and other attendees were invited to autograph the beam before it was lifted aloft.
“The topping-off ceremony signifies a significant step forward in the journey towarss the opening of the new Wayman D. Palmer YMCW,” said Brad Toft, president and CEO of the YMCA of Greater Toledo.
“We’re building not just a structure but an opportunity to create unity and community,” said Toledo Mayor Wade Kapszukiewicz.
The 50,000 square-foot facility has been funded at a cost of around $30 million by the City of Toledo using monies from the American Rescue Plan Act, noted the mayor. The facility will include a swimming pool, and outdoor splash pad, a multipurpose space, wellness center among the many amenities.
Of course, the question for those living in the community surrounding the new Wayman Palmer facility will be – will the construction price tag make it too expensive for those in the neighborhood to have access to those facilities.
“I think we are going to give the community the programs and services at a very high level,” said Eric Williams, director of the Wayman Palmer Y. “We also want to make sure that no one gets turned away and that we have pricing structures to make sure that happens.”
As an example, the Y is partnering with the Toledo Public Schools Head Start Early Childhood program, the Toledo Northwest Food Bank for a food pantry and the T.A.C.K.L.E. Program, a youth mental health agency.
