A country picnic on Sunday last week included a hayride and a mock barn-raising as the Mt. Diablo Regional YMCA launched the community phase of its campaign to raise money for its new facility in Alamo. The event included tours of the 12-acre site on the Danville border, which had the outline marked of future facilities.
“We gave people a sense of how big it’s going to be,” said Kathy Chiverton, executive director of the San Ramon Valley YMCA.
The total cost for the new 28,000-foot facility is $11 million, and $2 million of that has already been spent, said Chiverton. The goal now is to raise $4.1 million.
“Our intention is to start our road widening and bridge construction and grading late summer, early fall,” Chiverton said.
At the picnic, the site was accessed through Hap Magee Ranch Park but when it is open, the entry will be off Danville Boulevard via Lewis Lane.
“It’s something that once we build it, the community will just love it,” said Chiverton. “It will have something for every member of the family.”
Facilities will include a health and wellness center, an indoor warm water therapeutic pool, an outdoor family splash park and lap pool, new aerobics and multi-purpose rooms, and acres of land for family fun and exploration.
“We love to talk about the multi-generational aspect,” Chiverton added. “Teens and seniors will feel comfortable at the same place.”
About 175 people attended the picnic. De La Salle football coach Bob Ladouceur was the keynote speaker at the event, and he emphasized the importance of nurturing the next generation.
Developer Sid Corrie, the lead donor up to this point, was also recognized.
“My family donation to the Y is the third largest gift I have ever made to any nonprofit group, but this community has given me much and I want to give back to an organization that will have a positive impact on the children of the Valley for generations to come,” said Corrie.
If the Y can reach its fundraising goals, the doors will open in spring 2009. Meanwhile the San Ramon Valley YMCA is working from offices in Hap Magee Ranch Park. For information about making donations, call 831-1100.
–Dolores Fox Ciardelli
