The new Kirk Family YMCA in downtown Kansas City will open in phases, beginning with enrollment for a summer day camp program scheduled to start June 7.
The camp will support working families and help kids who have had their learning disrupted by the pandemic by giving them an opportunity to continue to learn throughout the summer.
The Kirk Family YMCA, located at 222 W 11th Street in the former Lyric Theatre building, was created to support those who live and work downtown. The Y plans to open the full facility by the end of the year when more workers return to downtown, and more individuals and families are ready to return to a community center.
“As a nonprofit, charitable organization, the best use of resources right now is to open for camp this summer, which will address an important need to provide learning and social opportunities for youth and to support working parents,” said John Mikos, President and CEO of the YMCA of Greater Kansas City. “Because the rest of the facility will open at a later date, the camp will have access to spaces throughout the building providing a unique opportunity and an exciting summer day camp experience.”
Camp activities will take advantage of building amenities including the indoor pools, gym and an outdoor artificial turf field behind the building. The camp will follow the curriculum of Y camps throughout the metro, with each week featuring a unique theme and activities that promote physical movement, social interaction, educational opportunities, leadership, personal growth and creativity.
Registration is open now for the camp at the Kirk Family YMCA and camps throughout the metro. Learn more and register.
About the Kirk Family YMCA
The $35-million renovation and reconstruction project was funded by $16.9 million from the 11th Street Corridor Tax Increment Financing District, additional funding from the Missouri Development Finance Board, as well as charitable gifts from foundations and individual donors.
The Y is named for the Kirk family, longtime YMCA of Greater Kansas City donors and supporters of the new downtown Y. The family includes the late Phil Kirk, the former chairman of DST Realty, which is now part of SS&C Technologies. He played a key role in Kansas City’s downtown revitalization and was instrumental in bringing the new Y to the former Lyric Theatre.
Features of the new 62,000-square-foot Kirk Family YMCA include:
- Preservation of the facade and lobby of the historic building including the original marble floors, ornate ceiling finishes and more to become the new Y entrance.
- A 42,000-square-foot section of new construction built on the north side of the lobby featuring a contemporary design. Behind the building, there is an outdoor space for events and youth sports.
- Dramatic two-story windows in the new limestone walls along Central Street bringing natural light into the space and creating a contemporary, eye-catching look for the building’s exterior. The limestone came from the same quarry that provided the limestone for the original Lyric building.
Amenities inside the new Kirk Family YMCA include:
- Three community rooms for a variety of activities, including one with a teaching kitchen for healthy eating, nutrition and cooking classes.
- An indoor activity pool and lap pool for swim lessons, exercise and recreational opportunities.
- A gymnasium that can be used for basketball, volleyball, and other sports.
- A large health and wellness area offers a space for guests to improve their health through cardiovascular exercise and strength training featuring the latest state-of-the-art equipment.
- Three studios for group exercise.
- A suspended indoor walking and jogging track that will offer views of the lower levels of the center.
For more information about the project, visit DowntownKCY.org.