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New Linwood Center Opens

YMCA of Greater Kansas City
February 16, 2017
New Linwood Building

President’s Day will mark the grand opening celebration, ribbon cutting and unveiling of new Linwood Community history wall.

The Y has been an important part of the Linwood community since 1919 and in the current building at Linwood and Cleveland since 1975. The new Linwood YMCA building will open its doors for a grand opening celebration on February 20. The YMCA of Greater Kansas City will celebrate the completion of the renovated and expanded facility with a ribbon cutting ceremony at 11:30 a.m. on President’s Day at 3800 E. Linwood Boulevard, Kansas City, Mo. 

The new facility will allow the Y to serve more people through important programs, such as swim lessons, after-school homework help and mentoring, health screenings, nutrition classes, wellness and fitness programs, community events, and other activities for people of all ages to improve quality of life. The previous Linwood YMCA facility had become outdated, did not provide enough space for program participants, and included an outdoor pool needing repairs. 

“We are so excited about this grand opening, and the impact the new facility and programs will have in our beloved community,” said Stephenie Smith, executive director of the Linwood Y. “We are inviting all of our members, neighbors and friends to celebrate with a community open house and unveiling of the history wall that illustrates the legacy of service our Y has provided to the Linwood community over the years.”

The Y raised $10.5 million to fund construction. The updated and expanded facility is named the Linwood YMCA/James B. Nutter, Sr., Community Center, in honor of a major donor. 

Other top donors include Hall Family Foundation; The Kirk Foundation Trust; Mabee Foundation, Inc.; Ina Calkins Trust Fund, Bank of America, trustee; and JE Dunn Construction Company. The project also has received support from the City of Kansas City, Mo.

The renovated building features: 

  • An indoor pool in place of the existing outdoor pool to provide life-saving swim lessons and recreational opportunities year round.
  • An expanded health and wellness center in which people can improve their health through cardiovascular exercise and strength training. 
  • A community room for all ages to connect through shared interests at meetings, faith-based group gatherings, celebrations of family and friends, and more. 
  • A teaching kitchen for healthy eating, nutrition and cooking classes. 
  • A renovated gym in which the community can gather for special events and healthy living activities such as youth and adult sports.
  • Multi-purpose studios for group exercise, dance, music, arts, and other social and educational activities.
  • A kids’ adventure center to provide a safe and fun place for kids to learn and play.

“We are very grateful to all of our donors, volunteers, partners and friends who have made it possible to bring new life and more opportunities to the Linwood YMCA and the surrounding neighborhoods,” said David Byrd, president and CEO of the YMCA of Greater Kansas City. “The new facility will allow us to expand chronic disease prevention and management programs, provide year-round swim lessons, mentor and tutor more children, and so much more.”

Construction partners for the project are JE Dunn; HOK Architects; Henderson Engineers, Inc.; Waters Edge Aquatic Design; Intertek PSI; Taliaferro & Browne, Inc.; Anderson Survey; Leigh & O'Kane; FSC, Inc.; and Studio Eight Consultants.

Banking partners are Bank Midwest, US Bank and AltCap.

During 18 months of construction, the Linwood Y partnered with the Kansas City Public Schools to operate out of Central Academy of Excellence. 

The next phase of the project will include an expanded parking lot. In addition, Truman Medical Centers plans to build a medical clinic on property adjacent to the Y. The Y’s partnership with TMC will boost healthy living opportunities and increase access to medical professionals and preventative care. 

For more information on how to get involved, contact the Linwood YMCA/James B. Nutter, Sr. Community Center at 816.923.5675 or visit KansasCityYMCA.org/Linwood.