McHenry County State’s Attorney is holding his annual fundraiser at the Boulder Ridge Country Club tonight from 5-8:30 ($75, $125 per couple, walk-ins welcomed).
Two days before the pubic showing, the path to the new entrance had obstacles.
Starting at about the same time (5:30) is the “open to the public” preview of construction progress at the massive addition to the Crystal Lake YMCA, now re-named the Sage YMCA in recognition of the huge contribution made by Sage founder Vince Foglia.
The wall to the right of the entrance has the names of big donors.
There will be a reception for donors prior to opening of the building to members and the public.
Work will be completed on the new competition pool by the start of swimming season in October.
The biggest improvement is an eight-lane competition pool with a balcony that will hold three hundred spectators. There will be an elevator.
With a view outside the building of a wooded area, the layout appears quite similar to that of the Elgin Park District’s. “Spectacular” would be a good description. (Elgin’s faces a busy street.)
The other side of the pool will have windows to let in natural light, tour guide and Executive Director Robyn Ostrem told me and Star105 News Director Stew Cohen.
The original six-lane pool will remain (85 degrees, senior citizen temperature on Tuesday), but will have natural lighting coming in from the north.
The old exercise room has been considerably enlarged.
The exercise room will no longer be accessed through the gym once remodeling is completed and is a lot larger.
The treadmills now have TV’s attached from which one can watch the station of one’s choice…even Fox News, if that is one’s preference.
Big symbols denote the locker rooms.
Downstairs the locker rooms have been significantly updated.
The modernize lockers have combinations, instead of keys.
Even the halls to them have been improved. Instead of painted concrete, they have a wood-grained flooring.
There is a room full of cycles.
A screen is on the wall. Some type of class with groups rides is planned.
The concrete stairs are still steep, but an elevator is planned.
Here’s where the elevator will be.
And upstairs the restrooms and offices near the current entrance between the parking lot and the old pool are going to disappear.
An open space will replace them, along with a new entrance to the exercise room.
But, back to the new addition.
On the right as one enters the new entrance is this tasteful sign recognizing major donors.
After one comes in the new main entrance, the rest of the donor wall can be seen on the right.
In front of one will be the main desk, a circular affair.
Right in front of the new doors is a round registration desk. Offices can be seen in the background. They are to the left of the entrance.
To the left are offices and day care facilities.
There are three day care rooms. DCFS is in the process of certifying them.
A bit beyond is a place Moms and Dads can drop off young children for two hours while they enjoy the facilities.
Small children will be tended to while parents are using the facilities.
The area will be supervised, fenced in and has a dedicated bathroom.
Right next door is a place for adults to relax and chat.
This is the well-lit area where Mike Ward’s Tropical Smoothie Cafe’s products will be consumed.
Between child care center and the wall that is shared with the new pool is a place for folks to have refreshments.
There is no doubt this is going to be a first-class facility.
Very impressive job they have done with the YMCA.
However, I would choose to attend an event for Lou Bianchi, over Nygrens political supporter Vince Foglia (The owner of Sage) any day of the week.