TRAVERSE CITY — Sports Anchor Jake Boss and Host of The Four Megan Huiskens, took to the YMCA courts and played a game of H-O-R-S-E, but called it F-O-U-R. They talked March Madness and Boss’ predictions going into the Final Four.
Before they played, they spoke with Thomas Graber, Senior Director of Programming for the Grand Traverse Bay YMCA about the public funding phase for a facility expansion project designed to double its gymnasium and wellness center space. The project aims to address rising enrollment and provide more room for community programming.
The facility has been open for 11 years and serves as a community hub for physical and social activities.
“Over the last 11 years that the West YMCA has been open, we’ve seen exponential growth. and this is really a community hub for both physical and social well-being. And so, we know the expansion as a community need, Thomas Graber, Senior Director of Programming.”
The gymnasium expansion will double the current athletic space, resulting in two full-size hardwood sports courts. The facility’s wellness center is also slated to double its square footage. This increase in space is intended to accommodate more group exercise classes and expanded studio areas. Graber noted that the child watch area is also part of the expansion plan as it currently exceeds its capacity.
“We know that after-school is the most dangerous time for middle school students. So, providing, safe spaces for them as well as our active older adults during the day, Graber said.”
