YMCA of Wayne County plans new Wooster branch

The YMCA of Wayne County announced plans for the future home of its Wooster branch, which will be located adjacent to and connected with the Alice Noble Ice Arena campus.

For nearly 70 years, the YMCA has served the Wooster community from its current location. While this announcement marks the beginning of a new chapter, the mission of the YMCA remains unchanged: to strengthen the foundations of community through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility.

The project will create a new space for YMCA programs and services while continuing the organization’s work in Wayne County.

Located alongside the Alice Noble Ice Arena and on the broader campus, this future location creates an opportunity to expand access and remove barriers for local families. Wooster City Schools is supporting the project by allowing the YMCA to be part of the campus. The location would allow middle and high school students to walk to the YMCA after school.

“Wooster City Schools is grateful for our partnership with the YMCA and excited to support their vision for this project," said Gabe Tudor, superintendent of Wooster City Schools. "The YMCA has long been an important community partner, and we are encouraged by the opportunities this investment could create for students, families and the broader Wooster community."

The YMCA also credited the Noble family and Noble Foundation for working with the organization on plans for the future site beside Alice Noble Ice Arena.

“Everyone involved with the ice arena is excited to welcome the YMCA to a side-by-side partnership on the Wooster City Schools’ Oldman Road campus," Dave Noble said. "The original design of the ice arena contemplated the construction of a second wing, which would give the building the shape of a ‘W’ when viewed from the air. The construction proposed by the YMCA will use that design."

This project will be funded through private philanthropy and community support. No tax dollars will be used. The YMCA of Wayne County will launch a capital campaign immediately to raise the necessary funds to bring this vision to life and will continue to share updates and opportunities for community involvement as planning and fundraising move forward.

“This project is about much more than a building," said Nikki Fehrenbach, CEO of YMCA of Wayne County. "Together, we envision a campus that brings people together through health, recreation, connection and shared experiences. It will be a place where youth, young adults, families and seniors can gather, grow and thrive together, strengthening our community for generations to come."

Additional information regarding the capital campaign and project timeline will be shared in the coming weeks.