Duneland YMCA CEO Dave Kasarda thanks the Town of Chesterton for its unstinting commitment to the Healthy Living Campus
Duneland Family YMCA Executive Director and CEO Dave Kasarda attended the Chesterton Town Council’s meeting Monday night, March 10, to say how deeply grateful he is to the Town of Chesterton for its substantial support of the Healthy Living Campus.
“I just want to thank you all,” Kasarda told the Town Council. “This has been a long process for us. These conversations started about eight years ago with our Board of Directors and all of these things are falling into place. But the Town of Chesterton has really stepped up and done an outstanding job helping us get to the point we’re at now, which is getting ready for construction.”
Kasarda specifically cited Director of Economic Development and Operations Rebecca Parker; Assistant Town Engineer Mark Gavelek; Building Commissioner Mark O’Dell; Park Superintendent Tyler McLead; Fire Chief Sean O’Donnell; and Police Chief Tim Richardson.
“Rebecca has been outstanding,” Kasarda noted. “Matt and Mark, walking us through the whole process. We’re very lucky to have the Park Superintendent that we do, Tyler McLead. He has done an outstanding job. He’s very active in the partnership. Most recently, the Fire Department played a significant role making sure that our partnership with the school is safe and the building is safe. Now we’re working with the Police Department on what happens if—God forbid that it ever happens—but they’re going to help our staff to be better prepared. We feel that we’ve been very blessed by all the offerings that the town has available for us, for the businesses that come.”
As Parker herself noted, “The Economic Development Team as well as the Engineering, Building, and the Park departments have been in constant communication with the YMCA to ensure that they have a smooth process.”
CURRENT OFFERINGS AT THE HEALTHY LIVING CAMPUS
It’s important to emphasize that the YMCA Healthy Living Campus is open right now for business—in that portion of the old Chesterton Middle School which wasn’t demolished—and not just open but bustling and brimming with programming, as YMCA Director of Youth and Adult Enrichment Amy Curtis told the Town Council:
- AQUATICS: Open swim, swim lessons, water fitness lessons, and Family Fun Nights.
- SENIOR PROGRAM: A dedicated gathering space for clubs, socialization, meals, and group exercise.
- STEM: VEX robotics, specifically in support of the Duneland School Corporation’s VEX robotics program.
- WELLNESS CLUB: Five laps around the Healthy Living Campus equals one mile, Curtis said. “It’s a really safe space to be able to walk.”
- YOUTH SPORTS: Pickleball, basketball, gymnastics, and soccer.
On or about Tuesday, April 1, staging will begin for construction, which will “mainly involve the current construction footprint enclosing the former football field and track,” Curtis said.
“Site plans are currently being drafted and finalized and after approval of the site work we look forward to building the Wellness Center,” Curtis reported. “After completion of the addition, we will be able to close our operations on Roosevelt Street and move them all to the Healthy Living Campus.”
COMMENTS FROM THE COUNCIL
“I took a walk-through and it was amazing,” said Member Erin Collins, D-2nd. “I was super excited. I was excited beforehand. Something I heard a lot when I was running for office, especially from our seniors, is that there just isn’t a lot for them. And you guys have really nailed that, not only giving them a place where they can do different things and participate and be social but also where they can sign up for programs and get help with their cell phones and Meals on Wheels, if that’s what they need. This is all going to tie in for this community. It’s fantastic.”
“There’s something to be said too for economic development because this offers a new vision for the west side of town,” added Member Jim Ton, R-1st. “This whole development will do much as far as attracting business along Broadway. The fact that the Healthy Living Campus is going to be there will attract a lot of attention to the town. A job well done on the west side. The west side has needed some uplift for some time.”
“I also walked through the project and heard so much positive feedback,” said Member Jennifer Fisher, R-5th. “People are so excited in the Downtown for this project and for the sense of community that it brings. I’m really thankful you guys were thoughtful in your approach and considered all the different generations and that you want to have something to offer every age group. I think this is going to do a lot to improve the vitality of our Downtown.”