The Greater Joliet Area YMCA welcomed supporters to the site of the future Village of Shorewood YMCA for a special wall signing ceremony on Thursday, August 28.
YMCA President and CEO Katy Leclair kicked off the event by welcoming guests and thanking members of the building team, including Narvick Bros. General Contractors, for their round the clock work to construct the facility in preparation for its planned opening in spring 2026.
Leclair also recognized the YMCA’s Board of Directors, the Village of Shorewood YMCA Advisory Council, the Village of Shorewood leadership team, mayor and trustees, and YMCA employees and members for their support of this exciting project.
“At the Y, we are so blessed to have the very best team of staff, volunteers, members, donors, and community partners working together to create thriving spaces and engaging programs to serve our community,” Leclair said.
Leclair then introduced Village of Shorewood Advisory Council Chairman Dr. Karla Guseman, who provided the morning’s invocation.
Shorewood Mayor CC DeBold then stepped to the podium to speak about the Village’s vision for the future facility. He emphasized that Y programs will provide fun activities like youth sports leagues for kids, as well as important health, wellness, and recreation opportunities for residents of all ages, all while creating employment opportunities within the Shorewood community.
DeBold then welcomed YMCA Board of Directors Chairman Cheri Rubocki, who described how the opening of the Shorewood facility will serve as one of the highlights of the Greater Joliet Area YMCA’s Centennial Celebration in 2026.
“As our YMCA prepares to celebrate our 100th anniversary in 2026, we are very excited to create more opportunities for our friends and neighbors to learn, grow, and thrive at the YMCA,” Rubocki said. “Like all of you, I am counting down the days until we can cut the ribbon, open the doors, and officially welcome our community to the new Village of Shorewood YMCA!”
Illinois State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel, who helped to secure grant funding for the project from the State of Illinois, followed with brief remarks about the importance of investing in our communities.
Village of Shorewood YMCA Executive Director Trisha Dust closed the event by sharing her excitement for the ongoing preparations and thanking everyone for attending. She then invited guests to enter the facility and ceremoniously autograph their name on a wall located at the heart of the new facility, securing a legacy of collaboration that will last for years to come.
To learn more about the future Village of Shoewood YMCA, visit the branch homepage today!
