If you've been driving towards Joliet along Route 52, you might have noticed Russ & Company hard at work, moving big piles of dirt. This marks the start of a major construction project—the new Shorewood YMCA. This $20 million investment will bring a much-needed community hub to the area. Located near Walnut Trails and Wynstone Drive, the project is expected to take more than a year to complete, with an opening planned for spring 2026.
This new YMCA will be the first-ever in Shorewood, offering a modern recreational and wellness center for people of all ages. Below, we'll explore what this project will include and how it will impact the community.
The Shorewood YMCA will be a 50,000-square-foot facility packed with amenities focused on health, wellness, and community activities. As the first YMCA in the village, this facility will greatly improve recreational opportunities for residents. It will also become the new home for the Y's Regional Office, which manages YMCA branches and programs across Will and Grundy counties.
“To meet the needs of the greater Joliet community and to ensure the long-term sustainability of our YMCA, we must continue to provide our members and the community with innovative and state-of-the-art facilities. Although we are sad to be retiring the Galowich Family YMCA building, we are excited to write the next chapter of the Y’s storied history in our community as we continue to provide much-needed youth development programs at more than 50 community-based sites throughout the greater Joliet area."
Greater Joliet Area YMCA President & CEO | Caty Leclair
The facility will be located next to Shorewood Village Hall, making it an accessible spot for the community to gather, exercise, and participate in various programs.
The new YMCA will have a wide range of facilities designed for everyone in the community, from kids to adults. Key features include:
Youth Program Rooms: Dedicated spaces for youth activities and educational programs.
Aquatics Center: An eight-lane swimming pool for swim lessons, competitions, and recreational swimming.
Gymnasium: A large 7,200-square-foot gymnasium for basketball, volleyball, and other indoor sports.
Indoor Walking Track: Ideal for staying active during winter or rainy days.
Fitness Facility: The 6,000-square-foot wellness center will have modern exercise equipment for beginners and fitness enthusiasts alike.
Group Exercise Studios: Spaces for classes like yoga, spin, aerobics, and more, catering to all ages and fitness levels.
Demonstration Kitchen: A kitchen for community cooking classes, promoting healthy eating and nutrition.
Gathering and Meeting Space: 2,000 square feet of community rooms for meetings, social events, and activities.
Outdoor Space for Camps and Youth Programs: Areas for summer camps, youth sports, and before- and after-school programs, providing safe and engaging options for local kids.
The Shorewood YMCA will be built in phases, with Phase 1 focusing on the essential parts of the facility, including:
- Lobby: A 1,200-square-foot welcoming space for all visitors.
- Kids Corner/Activity Center: A 1,600-square-foot area dedicated to children’s activities, offering a safe space for kids while parents use the facility.
- Community Rooms: 2,000 square feet of flexible space for community activities.
- Gymnasium: A 7,200-square-foot gym for sports and recreation.
- Wellness Center: A 6,000-square-foot area equipped with weights, machines, and other fitness tools.
- Locker Rooms: 2,800 square feet of locker space with showers and changing areas.
- Aquatics Area: A 6,000-square-foot space featuring the eight-lane pool.
- Administrative Offices: 5,600 square feet dedicated to the YMCA's regional headquarters and operations in Will and Grundy counties.
The new Shorewood YMCA will offer many programs and amenities to enhance the quality of life for residents. It will be a great addition to the Shorewood community, providing access to high-quality recreational, wellness, and educational resources. The YMCA’s mission of promoting healthy living, youth development, and social responsibility will resonate with the community, giving everyone opportunities to stay active and involved.
The Patch reports that the Shorewood YMCA will also serve as the regional headquarters for YMCA branches in Will and Grundy counties, adding to its importance in the area. The addition of this facility will lead to the closure of the Galowich Family YMCA on Houbolt Drive in Joliet, consolidating services into the new, modern location in Shorewood.
The Shorewood YMCA is a major investment in the community's well-being, with $20 million dedicated to creating a modern facility. The project will take over a year to complete, with the grand opening planned for spring 2026.
For those in the commercial construction field, the Shorewood YMCA project is a good example of how a well-designed community facility can meet many needs—from recreation and fitness to community engagement and education. The project also shows the importance of phased construction, ensuring that the most critical features are built first while adhering to a timeline that meets community expectations.
The new Shorewood YMCA will be a central place for families, children, and individuals who want to improve their health and stay connected with their community. With its modern features, accessibility, and variety of programs, this facility will play a key role in enhancing the quality of life for everyone in Shorewood.