Business & Tech
In Its First 10 Years, YMCA Sees 'Explosive' Growth
Executive director keeping an eye on talks to reopen Old Traughber building as a school facility.
Since moving to its current location, the Oswego Family YMCA of Metro Chicago has gained a new clientele and has the space to offer a variety of new programs.
The Oswego YMCA is celebrating 10 years of serving Oswego and Montgomery residents. In September 2009, the YMCA moved to its current location at 160 E. Washington St. Since then, it has experienced “explosive growth in the past two years and has seen memberships increase from 450 to 4,100,” said Executive Director Brent Finlay.
“Family memberships have grown 52 percent in the past year. We have a very active senior community with the located next door," Finlay said. "We also have a very active teen population."
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Mike Schoppe joined the Oswego Family YMCA's board of directors four years ago. He said he's glad to see it prospering.
“I was impressed with the services provided to the community, felt there was a need for those services and that they were underutilized. I wanted to see the YMCA increase its presence in Oswego,” Schoppe said.
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The biggest change since the YMCA’s move from its Mason Square location is the growth in family memberships, Schoppe noted.
“I’d like to see more growth in the swimming activities. I’d like to see that really take off,” Schoppe said about the “I am appreciative of how the community has wrapped their hands around the YMCA. With the slow economy, our ability to grow is a phenomenal success."
One issue Finlay is keeping an eye on is talk from District 308 School Board members regarding the possibility of .
Finlay said he has not been contacted by anyone from the district about that possibility. He also said the ''Y'' still has three years remaining on its five-year leasing agreement with the district.
"Long term, we do have a future facility of our own in mind," he said. "We've got the land but we'll have to undergo an extensive capital campaign. We're extremely happy with where we're at right now."
The YMCA plays host to a 10-year celebration pool party bash from 5 to 8 p.m. Aug. 25, at the Pine Ridge Club indoor pool. The event will include food and prizes.
