YMCA breaks ground for expanded center on Linwood Boulevard

Construction will begin soon on a new Linwood Family YMCA to replace a cramped 40-year-old center that has outlived its usefulness.

Officials broke ground Tuesday on the new $9.1 million facility that will be called the James B. Nutter Community Center.

During construction, which is expected to take about a year and a half, the Y will operate out of the west wing of the nearby Central Academy of Excellence, 3221 Indiana Ave. The Y will have an entrance and a parking area separate from the school.

Parts of the old Y at 3800 Linwood Blvd. will be incorporated into the new structure, but it will have more space, more amenities and an indoor pool. The current outdoor pool needs repair.

“As we continue to evolve to meet the needs of an underserved community, it’s time for our building to change with us,” David Byrd, president of the YMCA of Greater Kansas City, said in a statement. “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.”

The new Y will include an expanded health and wellness center. Truman Medical Centers plans to build a clinic on property next to the Y.

The new Y will also have a full kitchen, which the old building lacked. Other features will be a community room, a renovated gym, a “kids’ adventure center” and a studio for group exercise classes, music and dance, and other activities.

This story was originally published June 30, 2015 at 5:36 PM.