Crossroads YMCA is pleased to officially break ground on a new Hammond Destination YMCA through a partnership with the City of Hammond and Mayor Thomas M. McDermott, Jr. to create a new and expanded $70M YMCA at the former Woodmar Mall/Carson Pirie Scott site adjacent to the Hammond Sportsplex
The new destination YMCA includes over 120,000 square feet of space, over three times larger than the YMCA’s current Hammond facility. The new YMCA will provide Hammond a state-of-the-art facility that will include programming to address wellness and provide a safe place for kids and families. The YMCA’s presence in Hammond has never been stronger. At its current location, 7322 Southeastern Avenue, the Y serves 17,000 members each year. Membership and programming continue to thrive and grow, confirming the need for expansion of the YMCA presence in Hammond.
The new Destination YMCA will benefit from financial commitments from the Dean & Barbara White Family Foundation and the City of Hammond through Mayor Thomas M. McDermott, Jr. and the city’s Redevelopment Commission. “This is a game-changing development for Hammond and the Region,” said Mayor Thomas M. McDermott, Jr. “The City could not be more excited about this new 70M dollar investment in Hammond. Having the Y locate on the former Carson’s and Woodmar Mall site is a huge success for our community. Along with the Hammond Sportsplex, it will be a cornerstone attraction for the city and a strong economic development driver for additional development.”
Hammond’s 3rd District Councilman, Barry Tyler, Jr. also expressed the excitement for this project. "Rarely are we able to welcome a project to this district, to our city, that checks all the boxes,” said 3rd District Councilman Barry Tyler, Jr. “This YMCA project does just that; something that will help meet the mental, social and physical needs of our entire community. Hopefully this property and intersection will regain even more of its former glory, dating back to the Woodmar mall days."
The YMCA expects the new location to serve up to 50,000 people each year in North Lake County. As the Y breaks ground, the goal is to have the building complete and begin serving members at the end of 2024.
The new YMCA in Hammond will benefit the community in the following ways:
- Offer additional experiences for kids to be healthy and active, to explore interests, to grow self-confidence;
- Provide a place for quality family time;
- Be a safe place for kids;
- Additional capacity and classes for kids/families to be safe around water;
- Support families by expanding summer learning loss prevention through programs like day camp and before/after school care;
- Address chronic disease by providing programs geared around water and land exercises;
- Expand programs and services for our seniors to include low impact water and level classes;
- Increase job opportunities—the new facility will add approximately 200 jobs
The facility details
The facility will include three pools: a warm water family pool, a six lane lap pool and an outdoor waterpark. There will be an indoor track, expansive wellness center for cardio and strength training, gyms and studios for youth sports, youth and adult group exercise classes. A family recreation center, juice bar, and a community meeting room with teaching kitchen will provide areas for gathering and socializing.
However, our new facility is much more than just the brick and mortar. It’s about how we will be able to serve 50,000 members/year throughout our community, help our community manage health concerns; helping children develop confidence, and reduce social isolation for all ages. These new initiatives we will be able to offer, which will positively impact all of our lives and ultimately improve the health and well-being of our entire community. Our income-based scholarship program will continue to ensure that no one is turned away due to an inability to pay. For more details and to see updated renderings visit https://crymca.org/hammonddestinationymca
“Crossroads YMCA is very excited to partner with Mayor McDermott and the City of Hammond and officially break ground on our new destination YMCA. The new Hammond YMCA will provide spaces and opportunities for all ages to connect through experiences that will help create a healthier community.”
–Jay Buckmaster, CEO at Crossroads YMCA
“The Dean and Barbara White Family Foundation is proud to support Crossroads YMCA and the City of Hammond for this community-changing project. We know the new Destination Hammond YMCA will provide an amazing safe space for physical health, social activities, and family time. Additionally, a Destination YMCA of this size and scale will be a key economic driver for the City of Hammond. We are grateful to partner with the City of Hammond and Mayor Thomas M. McDermott, Jr. to make the quality of life even more enjoyable for all in North Lake County.”
-Bill Hanna, Executive Director of The Dean and Barbara White Family Foundation
Crossroads YMCA serves Northwest Indiana by strengthening kids, families, and the community. The Y is one of the nation’s leading nonprofits strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. Crossroads YMCA is working to Transform Lake County through people, places and programs. Across the U.S., 2,700 Ys engage 22 million men, women and children – regardless of age, income or background – to nurture the potential of children and teens, improve the nation’s health and well-being, and provide opportunities to give back and support neighbors. Anchored in more than 10,000 communities, the Y has the long-standing relationships and physical presence not just to promise, but to deliver, lasting personal and social change. Visit crymca.org for more information about Crossroads YMCA.
