The Caledonia (Michigan) school district and the YMCA of Greater Grand Rapids have partnered on a newly opened 47,000-square-foot community center.
The Grand Rapids Press reports that the facility has opened after nearly five years of planning and construction.
The partnership between the district and the YMCA was established in April 2020; the school district owns the athletic complex, and students will be the primary users. YMCA will operate and manage the aquatics center and other gym areas, providing access and programming.
The first floor of the building has an aquatics center with an eight-lane competition pool and diving well, and gallery seating for 175 spectators on the second level.
A three-lane leisure pool also includes a splash pad and spa, along with men's, women's and universal changing rooms and swim team rooms.
The main floor also has a KidZone, providing care for infants through school-age children, a multipurpose room with a kitchenette for community use, a chapel with a dual purpose as a meeting room, a concessions area and offices.
The building's second floor is largely occupied by a gymnasium and basketball court, which can also be converted for volleyball and badminton.
A purple exercise track encircles the gym and connects to an exercise room with cardio and weight training machines.
In March 2023, the district reported the cost of the community center at $32.7 million; school officials say that is close to the final cost.
Funds for construction of the community center came from a $61 million bond issue passed in 2023.
