By SEAN BOSTON
Hutch Post
HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Progress continues steadily on the new Hutchinson YMCA facility, as excitement grows ahead of its anticipated mid- to late-summer 2026 opening.
Executive Director David Foster said the recent beam signing ceremony held at the construction site at 20th Avenue and Lorraine Street attracted a large and enthusiastic crowd eager to be part of the project’s milestone moment.
“We had probably a couple hundred people show up for that,” Foster said. “People that are obviously donors and board members and Y members, and even people from the community that aren’t yet Y members, that hopefully will be one day. We just wanted to make that the community’s YMCA, so anybody and everybody that wanted to come were able to. It was a great afternoon, the weather was beautiful, and people were really excited about the new Y.”
Foster said the construction team has remained ahead of expectations despite weather challenges earlier this year.
“The last time I talked to our construction company, they’d only lost four days based on weather since January, which is amazing,” Foster said. “They’re getting a lot closer to getting the whole exterior kind of buttoned up so they can work inside during the winter months. They’re hoping to have that done within the next four to six weeks.”
Once the exterior is sealed, workers will move inside to begin interior framing, mechanical installation, and equipment setup. Foster credited the construction crews for their dedication through all conditions.
“I’ve been over there a couple times when I figured it was too wet or too cold, and it’s like a beehive and an anthill over there,” he said. “They’re just working away even in conditions where I wouldn’t think they could.”
The new facility will feature all-new fitness equipment, a modern aquatic center, and a dedicated 5,000-square-foot gymnastics area designed specifically for the Y’s popular gymnastics program.
“Everything in the new Y is going to be new,” Foster said. “We’re not really bringing anything from the old Y to the new Y. It’s all going to be brand new. I’m hoping they let me come, but other than that, we’ll bring the staff and show up on the day it’s time.”
Foster said YMCA staff and members alike are eager to see the long-awaited project come to life.
“There’s a lot of good buzz and a lot of great things happening in Hutch right now,” he said. “We’re just excited to be a small part of that.”
To keep momentum going, the YMCA is launching its fall membership promotion from Oct. 20–31, waiving the standard $75 joiner fee.
“If people are still kind of on the fence or need to join the YMCA, now’s the time,” Foster said. “You’ll save $75 right off the bat, and you’ll want to be a part of this before the new Y opens. We’ve got a lot of great things going on in our current facility, and it will all transfer right over to the new one.”
Foster added that the Y’s year-round programs, including swim lessons, gymnastics, and water exercise classes continue to thrive, serving hundreds of children and adults each month.
“It’s a great time to get involved,” he said. “Whether it’s swimming, gymnastics, or fitness programs, we’re here to help people of all ages stay active and connected as we look forward to the next chapter in the new YMCA.”