BANGOR, ME – The Cathy Gero Bangor Region YMCA officially broke ground Friday morning on Main Street in Downtown Bangor. The new building will be 82,000 sq. ft., situated on a 7-acre site near Davis Ct. and Talbot Park, nearly doubling the size of the current 45,000 sq. ft. facility on Second Street. 

 

“The YMCA has served this region for nearly 160 years,” said Diane Dickerson, CEO of the Bangor Region YMCA. “This new facility ensures that our region will continue to be well served for decades and into the future. It will have the ability to serve every age range, from babies and children up through teens and adults, with more programs and services than ever before. It will give people the opportunity to connect, live, grow, educate, recreate, and learn in a modern, state-of-the-art building in the heart of Downtown Bangor.”

 

Bangor Region Y officials say the new facility will be able to double the size of the Early Childhood Education and Before and After School Programs; provide infant care starting at six months for the first time in Bangor Region YMCA history; and add a new STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art and math) Maker Space and a Kids Adventure Zone for children in Y programs. 

 

Longtime supporters, stakeholders, and community leaders gathered for the groundbreaking, which was held on the future site of the Bangor Region Y. 

 

“The Bangor Region YMCA has long provided invaluable support and services to both local and surrounding communities, helping families and neighbors live healthier, fuller lives for more than 150 years,” said Senator Susan Collins. “This new facility will allow the Y to expand its reach, increase enrollment in childcare and youth programs, and improve its community health and wellness services.”

 

The new Y will cost $57.8 million, with $43.5 million already raised in the quiet phase and in the public campaign, which kicked off in February. The Y has also qualified for $10 million in New Market Tax Credits by meeting certain requirements, including its location in an underprivileged area of the community.

 

“A strong YMCA is one of the cornerstones of a strong community,” said Bangor City Council Chair Richard Fournier. “Bangor is fortunate to have a YMCA that is already strong in services, staff, and opportunities. Today, we break ground on an even stronger Y, with a vision for state-of-the-art facilities, bigger programs, more space, and more opportunities for everyone. This is a great day for the region.”

 

The City of Bangor allocated $2 million to the project. Penobscot County used $3 million in money from the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, or ARPA, to support the new Bangor Region Y.

 

“Penobscot County is thrilled to support the new Cathy Gero Bangor Region YMCA, using ARPA funds for the project,” said Penobscot County Commissioner Dan Tremble. “It has a real regional impact. Users of the current Y come from seven different counties, and just under half of the people who enjoy the programs and services are outside of Bangor. It’s a great project for the use of ARPA funds, and it’s a tremendous project for Bangor and Penobscot County.”

 

Earlier this year, the Bangor Region YMCA unveiled a video in a movie theater-like setting at Hollywood Casino, detailing the vision for the new Bangor Region YMCA. Supporters say that this groundbreaking represents an important and exciting milestone in the life of the new Cathy Gero Bangor Region YMCA.

 

“Having been part of this business community for over 30 years, I want to sincerely thank the many businesses that have stepped up to support this project,” said Bangor Region YMCA Board President Janine Tremble. “You’ve recognized the tremendous potential this new Y holds—not only for improving health and wellness, but also for strengthening our local economy, supporting our workforce, and shaping the future of our entire region. Most importantly, your support is helping create a legacy that will benefit generations to come—ensuring that our community continues to thrive for years into the future.”

 

The new space at the Cathy Gero Bangor Region YMCA will offer new, state-of-the-art facilities that both feature what is popular at the current facility, while adding offerings that are not currently available. The new Bangor Region Y will include a full court gymnasium and run/walk track, neither of which currently exist. The new facility will also feature an aquatic center with two pools, including an 8-lane competition lap pool and a 6-lane family, instructional, and therapeutic pool. Both pools are bigger than the current pools. There will also be a Community Health Center with on-site support from mental health specialists, a primary care provider, physical therapy, and other offerings; and the new Bangor Region Y will include a community room, community kitchen, and a cafe to support social and emotional health for all ages. A new teen center for middle and high schoolers will be added, which will be used for multi-generational use outside of hours for the teen center.

 

The new Bangor Region YMCA also has plans for recreational and sports fields, and nature-based outdoor education play areas. The current footprint for the existing Bangor Region Y does not allow for outdoor athletic fields, which is an offering that has been long requested and necessary to expand outdoor programs.

 

The construction is underway, with the expected grand opening set for August of 2027.

 

“August of 2027 feels like an eternity from now, but it will be here before we know it,” said Dickerson. “With the groundbreaking today, we can see that grand opening in our sights, and we will all be able to see this brand new facility take shape over the next several months.”

 

Those interested in donating or learning more about the Bangor Region YMCA should visit www.bangory.org.