The Morris Community YMCA is excited to announce that it has selected DesignGroup as the architect for its new full-facility YMCA in Grundy County. Construction of the new Y, which will be built in partnership with Morris Hospital & Healthcare Centers on land adjacent to Morris Grade School, could begin as early as next spring.
The Greater Joliet Area YMCA’s Board of Directors, acting on recommendations from the Morris Capital Campaign Building Task Force and the Greater Joliet Area YMCA’s Facility Committee, unanimously approved the hiring of DesignGroup as the project’s architect and engineering firm at its April meeting. This announcement follows a months-long process that included requests for proposals from local and regional firms, extensive interviews, and ultimately the final selection of the Ohio and Pennsylvania-based firm.
“We are very excited to announce the hiring of DesignGroup as the architect for the new Morris Hospital YMCA,” said Chief Operating Officer Missy Durkin. “Our Capital Campaign Leadership Cabinet, which is comprised of the most amazing community volunteers, has been hard at work since 2018 raising awareness and contributions in support of this project. This is a very big milestone for the Capital Campaign, bringing us one step closer to realizing our dream of building a new full-facility YMCA in Grundy County.”
For more than a decade, the Morris Community YMCA has been serving residents in Grundy County by offering programs in the areas of youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. To further grow its impact in the community, the Y announced plans in 2018 for the development of a new 50,000-square-foot YMCA and healthcare center in partnership with Morris Hospital & Healthcare Centers. While the YMCA plans to open this new facility within the next several years, the size, scope, and timing will ultimately be determined by the generosity of the community in support of this project.
About the Y
As one of the nation’s leading nonprofit charities, the YMCA is committed to strengthening local communities through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. A branch of the Greater Joliet Area YMCA, the Morris Community YMCA brings families closer together, encourages good health, and fosters connections through fitness, sports, fun and shared interests. Through its financial assistance and scholarship program, the YMCA works to fulfill its mission of ensuring that its programs are available to everyone and no one is turned away due to the inability to pay.
About DesignGroup
Founded in 1972, DesignGroup is an AIA Ohio Gold Medal architecture and design firm with offices in Columbus, Ohio, and Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. DesignGroup focuses on education, civic + cultural, library, healthcare, workplace, and commercial projects. With numerous award-winning projects located throughout the United States, DesignGroup’s work is unmistakable, striking a balance of stunning contemporary architecture, thoughtful renovations and sustainable building practices. Civic responsibility is integral to DesignGroup’s philosophy; beyond bricks and mortar, the firm is deeply involved in community organizations and its design principals are recognized as thought leaders in design.
To learn more about the Morris Community YMCA’s Capital Campaign, please contact Chief Operating Officer Missy Durkin at (815) 513-8080 or visit www.jolietymca.org.
Pictured above (L-R): Capital Campaign Leadership Cabinet Co-Chair and Greater Joliet Area YMCA Board Member Kevin Olson, Greater Joliet Area YMCA Chief Operating Officer Missy Durkin, and Capital Campaign Leadership Cabinet Co-Chair and Greater Joliet Area YMCA Board Chairman Guy Christensen.
National Senior Health and Fitness Day is Wednesday, May 25 and to celebrate the Galowich Family YMCA invites active older adults to explore various options of physical activity available at the Y. Stop by any of our fun activities and classes including:
As temperatures rise, kids want to cool off, whether that is in home pools, ponds, lakes, rivers, streams, or oceans. And that means the risk of drowning is as prevalent as ever. With National Water Safety Month in May, now is the time for parents and caregivers to reinforce the importance of equipping their kids with essential water safety skills.
We are so excited for the YMCA Mission Strong Golf Class, generously presented by Midland States Bank, which will be held on Thursday, June 9 at the ‘The Creek’ at Morris Country Club. Though golf tickets are now sold out, there are still opportunities available for welcome circle and hole sponsorships, and dinner tickets are also on sale.
Every day the YMCA affirms its commitment to making a positive impact in the community. Y programs provide opportunities for all generations, ensuring that every individual feels a sense of belonging. And as a non-profit, community-based organization, the YMCA relies on the generosity of its members and the support of charitable giving to provide services and financial assistance for children, adults and families living in our community. 
