On Nov. 12, the YMCA opened a new 1,400 -square-foot facility for this age group of youth, compliments of Brian Ehlers of Brian Ehlers Construction Co. Inc. and Chap Dinkins of Fabian-Dinkins Construction Inc. The men donated all the materials and labor for the $100,000 project.
The Marion County YMCA used to be a dull place for children ages 8 to 14 while their parents exercised after work. But no more, thanks to two local businessmen.
While the younger children have an “Adventure Zone” to call their own and older teens can work out alongside adults, the middle age group formerly had nothing to do but sit in the lobby, wander around the building or – ultimate embarrassment – mix in with the younger kids.