Update from the CEO

UPDATE FROM
THE CEO

Dear Members,

As we wind down these last weeks of summer, I’d like to take a moment and reflect on all the things we have accomplished in the first half of 2024. Our Y cannot operate without the members, staff, and Board who help to put our mission into action each day. Our building is a symbol of our work, but our culture continues to push us forward.

I would like to give a special “shout-out” to staff at our childcare centers, summer day camp who bring our mission to life with incredible care of over 150 children each day. Thank you also to our sports and aquatics camp staff who have taught almost 400 children new skills so far this summer! I am so proud of our staff and impressed with all the ways they make a difference every day.

Let’s reflect on a few accomplishments so far in 2024:

Our first off-site YMCA childcare center opened late December 2023 at 1st Presbyterian Church on Center Ave., and enrollment is currently full. We are grateful for the ability to support more families in our community and take care of the 39 additional kids each day!

Alan Wint was hired as our new Building and Grounds Director. Alan can be found around the facility working on projects and keeping our building in great working order. Please say “hi” when you see him!

YMCA Uptown Park (across the street at 247 N. Saginaw St.) had its official grand opening in April 2024, where we were able to thank our amazing donors who made this beautiful space possible! The park is open to the public every day unless a YMCA program needs the space. The park will close for the season when winter takes over, so please watch for a later communication if/when the weather starts to change.

As of June 30th (already halfway through 2024!), we served over 10,000 meals and 6,000 snacks to youth in our community! We continue to serve free meals to any youth ages 18 and under five days per week. Find the meal service schedule on our website at www.ymcabaycity.org/free-youth-food-program/

Our website continues to improve and be a place where you can find endless information about our organization. Check it out at www.ymcabaycity.org

We have been working hard to begin a Legacy Giving program at the Y. Stay tuned for more information coming out later this year!

Looking ahead, we have some exciting changes coming soon!

Please make note in your calendar of these important events/dates:

YMCA Uptown Park will (already!) undergo additional improvements which will include a pavilion, permanent 10’ high fencing on the Saginaw St. side, and a pedestrian safety crosswalk on Saginaw St. to help ensure our community can cross the street to/from the YMCA building and the park safely! Each of these projects will begin later this year.

Our pool will be getting some much-needed love and will be closed from August 24th until September 9th. The following work will be done during this time:

New splash pool features with the addition of splash buckets and new water sprays!

Repairing pool tile, grout, and drains in various locations

Deep clean of pool deck, walls, and windows

Treating rust on the slide stairs

Adding additional acoustic tiles on the ceiling and reinforcing currently hanging ones

The North and South parking lots will be sealed and painted on Sept 1st and 2nd and will be closed during this time. Parking is available on the street if you are using 24/7 Fitness.

The gym basketball courts upstairs will be closed for refinishing on Aug 26th and will reopen on Sept 3rd.

Thank you for your patience as we make these membership-enhancing improvements. The Y has always been here to make sure our community gets the support it deserves and the best we can offer. I am honored to lead such a wonderful, community-forward organization and provide options for anyone desiring to build a healthy spirit, mind, and body here with us.

Thank you,

Steve Krankota, CEO
Dow Bay Area Family YMCA

Direct Line: 989-778-3447 | Email: skrankota@ymcabaycity.org

Steve Krankota, CEO

Direct Line: 989-778-3447 | Email: skrankota@ymcabaycity.org

Dow Bay Area Family YMCA

Dow Bay Area Family YMCA