“I am very excited about the Benjamin Harrison YMCA’s facility renovation. This branch already plays an integral role in the Lawrence community. With their added amenities, the Benjamin Harrison YMCA will be a huge asset to the community, bringing more people to Fort Benjamin Harrison and helping the nearby businesses thrive.”
Kris Butler
President, Fort Benjamin Harrison Reuse Authority
The Impact
Since 1997, the Benjamin Harrison YMCA has served the needs of kids and families in Lawrence, Geist, McCordsville, Fortville and Castleton. The Benjamin Harrison YMCA opened just nine months after Fort Benjamin Harrison closed. Since then, more than 12,000 people have become members of the Benjamin Harrison YMCA, growing stronger in spirit, mind and body. It is a vibrant YMCA with active volunteers of all ages. In addition, the Benjamin Harrison YMCA has helped to attract additional commercial businesses to the area.
The community around Fort Benjamin Harrison is faced with many of the same challenges that many other communities face: lifestyle-related chronic illness affecting more youth and adults. Each year, the need for safe gathering places for families and opportunities for seniors to stay active and connected.
In addition, the southern parts of our community are experiencing increased rates of youth crime and high-risk behaviors. A pro-active, community-wide response is necessary to curb the crime today and to help these young people grow into caring and responsible adults.
The Facility
Through the expansion of the Benjamin Harrison Branch, the YMCA will be able to serve more people and improve the quality of life for the whole community. With the addition of the only public outdoor pool in the City of Lawrence, the YMCA will be able to address community needs for swim instruction and water safety education.
The Benjamin Harrison YMCA expansion will include:
- Outdoor Family Pool and Spray Park
- Outdoor Locker Rooms
- Picnic Area with Concessions
- Family Center
- Expanded Teen Space
- Multi-purpose Space
- Expanded Child Watch
- Renovations to the Gymnasium and Lobby