A Smarter Way Forward
The YMCA has asked the Park District to pause its proposed expansion plans and reconsider moving forward with a March 2026 referendum.
We believe that constructing two facilities with nearly identical programs and services less than a mile from each other is not an efficient use of taxpayer dollars and limits access to recreation centers with pools to only one part of the city.
Naperville became one of America’s best places to live through collaboration. We believe that same spirit should guide us now. By bringing together the local public, private, and nonprofit sectors, we can align facilities, programs, and investments to serve our community more effectively for generations to come.
This is a pivotal moment. You have the power to impact whether the proposal moves forward. Your voice matters, and your action today can make a difference.
We are grateful for the support we’ve received, and for feedback about how the Fry Family YMCA and our organization can better serve Naperville.
Sincerely,
Erika Wood, Executive Director, Fry Family YMCA
A Century of Service and Collaboration
The YMCA has been serving Naperville since before the Naperville Park District was even established. Over the years, we’ve worked together, honoring each organization’s unique mission and striving to prevent unnecessary overlap in programs, services, and facilities.
The decades-long cooperation between our two locally focused organizations has resulted in the delivery of impactful programs, services, amenities, and facilities, all while remaining pragmatic stewards of the community and its resources.
Avoiding the costly duplication of facilities and programming has served Naperville well and has enhanced the community’s quality of life. That is why we question whether the current proposal is the right one to pursue.
For months, many of our members and community partners have asked the YMCA for our opinion on the proposed indoor recreation center at Frontier Park. After attending numerous meetings and upon careful consideration and deliberation, we conclude that the District’s plan should be refined, scaled, and modified to meet the evolving needs of the community.
You can learn more about Fry Family YMCA’s concerns by reading our Open Letter or visiting other sections of this website.
Community Focused Vision
The YMCA of Metropolitan Chicago is focused on developing strong children, families, and communities through a variety of programs and services. The YMCA’s impact goes beyond sports, fitness, aquatics, and wellness.
We provide and host a variety of essential services for families and youth in Naperville, including camps and programming when school is not in session. Additionally, the YMCA’s Safe ‘n Sound program is an essential before and after school program for hundreds of hardworking families. Every day the YMCA is making a difference in the lives of Naperville residents and contributing to our community.