CentraCare Health, St. Cloud, MN, has pledged $4 million toward the building of a new Community and Aquatics center at the St. Cloud Area YMCA.
St. Cloud Area YMCA Executive Director Greg Gack says the CentraCare commitment is part of a long-standing relationship between his YMCA and the not-for-profit healthcare system in central Minnesota. In the new facility, CentraCare will continue to use YMCA aquatic facilities for water-based physical therapy, as well as host classes and provide educational materials on healthy lifestyles, weight management and good nutrition. CentraCare also will either host or participate in programs aimed at treating behavioral and medical needs and promoting exercise.
"We've been partnering for 10 years with CentraCare," Gack says. "With this investment, they will be moving their entire weight management program here. This is truly a partnership in all senses of the word, and we are delighted that CentraCare will continue to help us serve this community.
As reported in the St. Cloud Times, the new facility will be 100,000 square feet when completed. CentraCare is the latest company to join in the funding of the facility, and the Y has already raised about $4.5 million in private donations. Sales tax dollars will contribute $14 million to the overall project, expected to cost $27 million.
Gack says construction on the facility is expected to begin later this year, with an anticipated completion date in the second half of 2016.
"That, of course, depends on raising the rest of the capital," he says.
The St. Cloud Area Family YMCA has partnered for many years with CentraCare, and Gack says it is natural to further expand this partnership with on-site weight management and health services from CentraCare.
"YMCA and health care organization partnerships of this kind are not new," Gack says. "They are working successfully in YMCAs across the country and bringing real meaningful change in their respective communities."
CentraCare Health's network consists of hospitals in St. Cloud, Long Prairie, Melrose, Monticello, Paynesville and Sauk Centre, MN, along with six nursing homes, senior housing in six communities, 17 clinics and four pharmacies.