Future Facility Expansion
The Stephens Family YMCA is pleased to share that we have entered the planning phase for an approximately 50,000-square-foot expansion designed to better serve the growing needs of our community. In support of this effort, Carle Health will donate land directly south of the current YMCA facility, providing the space needed for this potential growth and will have a presence in the expanded space to increase access to therapy, rehabilitation and wellness programs.
With more than 5,500 family memberships and over 14,000 members, demand for YMCA programs continues to rise. Expanding the existing footprint is an essential next step in ensuring that every family has access to high-quality health, wellness, youth development, and community-building opportunities.
At this early stage of the process, plans are still being developed, and the YMCA is now moving into the phase of securing bids and exploring funding sources. No final design or construction timeline has been set, and the project will continue to evolve as community feedback, costs, and fundraising progress are evaluated.
The expansion plans currently include 30,000 square feet dedicated entirely to advancing the mission of the YMCA. This space would feature:
- Additional youth and teen areas
- Expanded wellness and fitness facilities
- Classrooms and community connection spaces
- Enhanced preschool and youth program spaces
- Dedicated Larkin’s Place programming space
- Outdoor turf areas for child watch, youth sports, and family activities
As part of this initiative, the Stephens Family YMCA and Carle Health are working together on a shared vision that would bring expanded wellness and rehabilitation services to the community. Carle Health is pleased to join the YMCA’s innovative efforts and would operate therapy, rehabilitation, and wellness programs within the new building, occupying approximately 20,000 square feet.
“The need for expanded space is clear,” said Lynne Barnes, Board President of the Stephens Family YMCA. “This project has the potential to impact thousands of local families for generations to come, and we are committed to stewarding this process thoughtfully and transparently as planning continues.”
“Expanding our YMCA is about more than adding space—it’s about strengthening the heart of our community. We are seeing tremendous growth in the number of families who rely on us every day, and this project positions us to meet those needs for decades to come. While we are still early in the planning process, we are excited about what this expansion could mean for the children, families, and members we serve,” said Jeff Scott, CEO of the Stephens Family YMCA.
“This collaboration demonstrates a shared dedication to supporting the ongoing health and wellbeing of Champaign-Urbana and surrounding areas, ensuring services evolve to meet community needs,” Caleb Miller, Carle Health Specialty and Ambulatory Care senior vice president said.
To bring this project to life, the YMCA will rely on a combination of philanthropic support, grants, and other funding streams. A major fundraising effort will be essential to transform this vision into a reality for the community.
More information will be shared as planning continues.