YMCA Breaks Ground on Addition that Will Make Crystal Lake’s “the Flagship for the Nation,” according to Sparkplug Vince Foglia

Here are those honored to pitch the first dirt on the YMCA addition.

Here are those honored to pitch the first dirt on the YMCA addition.  Vince Foglia is in the blue shirt.  His wife is to his right.

Philanthropists, kids, staff, Sage employees and the construction team broke ground on a 42,000 square foot addition to the Sage YMCA in Crystal Lake today.

Children shoveled dirt, too.

Children shoveled dirt, too.

It will contain a swimming pool suitable for competition with plenty of bleacher space.

Sage employees took their turn at shoveling.

Sage employees took their turn at shoveling.

Clearly, the spearhead was Vince Foglia of Sage Products.

Vince Foglia

Vince Foglia

In his remarks, he said that it “will be the flagship YMCA for the nation.”

During the decision-making process he visited the YMCA in Atlanta, which he said the planned facility here will exceed.

Key to the expansion of the facility was becoming part of the Chicago YMCA.

Crystal Lake Mayor Aaron Shepley, introduced as an “icon,” was especially excited about the big, new swimming pool.

He related how he had been a YMCA Day Camp Counselor and that his family had joined the Y shortly after they moved to Crystal Lake in the early 1970’s.

Aaron Shepley

Aaron Shepley

“Make no mistake about it,” he said.

“This is a vision of Vince Foglia.

“I couldn’t be happier with the project.”

The press release for the event follows:

Sage YMCA Launches New Era with Expansion & Renovation

Project to continue “rebirth” of Crystal Lake facility. Philanthropists Vince and Pat Foglia’s gifts strengthen the community, providing generations “a great place to grow.”


Click to view the renderings

CHICAGO, IL – Sage YMCA leaders and donors will pitch the first shovels of soil for the groundbreaking of the new and expanded facility during a noon ceremony on August 29, 2013 at the Sage YMCA at 701 Manor Road, Crystal Lake.

The event marks the latest chapter in the rebirth of the former McHenry County YMCA, which will be expanded and renovated, providing a “great place to grow” for residents of Crystal Lake, Cary, McHenry, Algonquin and Lake in the Hills.

The architect's drawing of the new entrance.

The architect’s drawing of the new entrance.

Sage YMCA members will join donors, volunteers and McHenry County business and government leaders to mark this major milestone. They’ll also view architectural renderings of the planned improvements and honor the vision of philanthropists Vince and Pat Foglia and the Foglia Family Foundation, whose extraordinary investment has secured the future of the YMCA that now bears the name of the company he co-founded, Sage Products of Cary.

The size of the Sage YMCA will expand from its current 29,000 square feet to 71,000 square feet. The renovated facility will feature a new aquatics center, which will include a new 8-lane competition pool and spectator area.

Additional improvements include a new preschool wing, an 8,000 square foot fitness and wellness center, communal gathering area with fireplace and comfortable seating, a new café, and improved amenities for families, children and seniors who love to meet, play and workout alongside neighbors and friends. (See a complete list of improvements below).

“Healthy, active citizens are the anchor of a thriving, vibrant community,” said Richard Malone, President and CEO, YMCA of Metropolitan Chicago. “Just as the communities surrounding the Y have grown over the past several decades, this renovation and expansion ensures that our local YMCA keeps pace with the needs of McHenry County,” Malone added.

Malone cited the generous support and vision of Vince and Pat Foglia and other early investors, whose dedication ensures that the Sage YMCA will serve as a destination for the nearly 190,000 people – including 53,000 under the age of 18 within the Sage Y service community.

Vince Foglia spoke of his dream for the YMCA in Crystal Lake.

Vince Foglia spoke of his dream for the YMCA in Crystal Lake.

“Vince’s commitment to the Crystal Lake community, along with the hard work of the Sage YMCA Steering and Community Leadership Committees means that we are providing members with what they need to be healthy, confident, connected and secure.  However, our work is not over, and that’s why we’re asking Sage YMCA members and the entire community to support our capital campaign with your time, talents and donations,” added Malone.

Foglia’s financial investment rescued the local independent YMCA from bankruptcy in 2011. The following year, contributions by the Foglia Family, pledges from local community and business leaders, and a commitment of funds from the Association representing the YMCA of Metropolitan Chicago secured 90 percent of expected $18 million construction costs and cemented the vision for the Sage YMCA. Donors included Sage Products co-founder Paul Hills and his wife Barbie.

A capital campaign  will seek donations to cover the remaining $2 million for the expansion and renovation.

“Our children hold the key to the future of our community and of our nation, and we are building a great place for our children to be transformed into healthy, caring, responsible citizens and leaders,” said Vince Foglia.

“My family and I hope the new and improved Sage YMCA will become McHenry County’s anchor for families, kids and seniors who want to adopt a healthier lifestyle and deepen their connections with others,” Foglia added.

Some sill suggest the new indoor pool will obviate the need for the Crystal Lake Park District to build one.

Some sill suggest the new indoor pool will obviate the need for the Crystal Lake Park District to build one.

Also central to the Sage YMCA fundraising initiative are: Vinnie Foglia, Lisa Waggoner, Scott Brown, Erv LeCoque and Bob Blazier.

“The Foglia Family Foundation and the YMCA of Metro Chicago are making an enormous contribution to the quality of life in Crystal Lake and throughout McHenry County.  As a long-time resident of this community, it is amazing to see how the community has rallied behind this project,” Mayor Shepley said.

“We are deeply grateful to Vince Foglia for his vision, and the support and dedication of not only his family and personal friends, but the family of Sage Products employees who have supported the YMCA on this journey,” added Shepley.

Work on the Sage YMCA renovation and expansion will begin in late August and members and program participants can expect the following new and improved features:

  • A new preschool wing with separate entrance and drive-up configuration for easy drop-off and pick-up
  • Family locker room with individual, private changing rooms
  • New fitness and wellness center
  • A new family aquatics center, including:
    • New eight-lane, 25-yard competition swimming pool with elevated spectator seating for up to 350
    • New whirlpool and sauna
    • New hospitality room for meetings, pizza parties or other team celebrations after swim meets
  • Enhanced outdoor playground
  • Full towel service
  • Wi-Fi Internet access throughout
  • Café and community gathering spaces

The Sage YMCA expansion is scheduled to be complete by December 2014.  The facility will remain open during construction. The public can sign up for email newsletters about our progress and other news about the Sage YMCA at http://www.ymcachicago.org/sage.

Members or residents interested in supporting the Sage YMCA capital campaign should contact Heather Miller, Regional Marketing and Development Director at hmiller@ymcachicago.org.


Comments

YMCA Breaks Ground on Addition that Will Make Crystal Lake’s “the Flagship for the Nation,” according to Sparkplug Vince Foglia — 1 Comment

  1. Such extreme generosity is really heart warming. What a wonderful gift to the people of Crystal Lake.

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