City Council Allocates $1 million Grant for New Building
The Downey contribution is above the $3 million California Library Grant, which Downey passed through in an agreement with YMCA officials in 2023.Groundbreaking and demolition of the existing facility would take place late this year.
Funding for a $20.7 million, 20,000-square-foot YMCA building in Downey has received a boost when the City Council, which is allocated a $1 million grant, payable over three years.
“We are excited to learn of the grant and grateful to the city for its help in this project.” said Dan Powell, Interim Executive Director for the Downey Family YMCA and Senior Vice President California YMCA Youth & Government/LA Teen Development with the YMCA of Metropolitan Los Angeles.
“We now have raised about $13 million and will continue fundraising for the additional $7 million needed.”
The Downey contribution is above the $3 million California Library Grant, which Downey passed through in an agreement with YMCA officials in 2023.
Powell estimated that groundbreaking and demolition of the existing facility would take place late this year.
Construction is expected to be completed in late 2025 with occupancy in 2026, he said.
The new facility will include an outdoor basketball court; pickleball courts; a child activity center; indoor pool; men’s, women’s, and family locker rooms; state-of-the-art fitness center; holistic health community space; dedicated parking with electric vehicle charging stations; and a secured entrance.
It will also be ADA compliant and will be designed to provide an inclusive environment that is welcoming to all, said Downey City Manager Roger Bradley.
Powell said that the existing gymnasium would be preserved, and the planned new facility will be smaller than the existing one (not counting the gym).
“We will make more efficient use of the smaller space,” Powell said.
The current building was constructed in 1963 and is decrepit. It has been closed since the COVID epidemic in 2020.
The YMCA has continued its community service programs at other locations, such as the after-school childcare.
This summer the YMCA will offer classes at Furman Park aimed at training teachers for an “early learning” program for children up to age 5.
The city has been involved in the construction plan the past year because of the $3 million California Library Grant. The state has directed that Downey handle the pass through of funds to the YMCA for the project.
Also in DOWNEY, the California Contract Cities Association has honored the city with the John S. Todd Award for programs or partnerships that exemplify the contract cities model, promoting efficient and effective governance through collaboration and innovation.
The award was presented at the Association’s annual seminar May 16-19 in Indian Wells.
“We are honored to receive the John Todd Award from the California Contract Cities Association,” said Mayor Mario Trujillo.
Arnold Adler, a longtime reporter for Wave Newspapers, may be contacted at arnoldadler123@gmail.com.
