JANESVILLE — The YMCA of Northern Rock County today unveiled its 135 & Beyond project to modernize and update its facilities in both Janesville and Milton and expand programs like childcare and green space activities for the future.
With visit rates at both downtown Janesville and Parker in Milton campuses exceeding regional and national averages per membership, while keeping up with rising operational costs and facility needs, the project is aimed to identify solutions for modernizing facilities.
They also plan to optimize operations and deepen the Y’s impact across Janesville, Milton and the surrounding region as it approaches its landmark 135th anniversary in 2026.
“Guided by the board’s strategic priorities and in light of growing membership demands, a historic wing in urgent need of repair, and the Boys & Girls Club’s upcoming departure, we’re turning to our community for feedback on what a project of this scale could achieve,” said Angie Bolson, YMCA NRC CEO in a news release. “135 & Beyond will translate those insights into action helping us modernize our spaces, improve accessibility, and expand key programs for the people of Northern Rock County for years to come.”
135 & Beyond Strategic Priorities
- Facility Modernization: Enhance building layouts and green spaces to support expanded programming.
- Financial Resilience: Diversify revenue streams to secure sustainable, affordable access for all.
- Participation & Growth: Broaden program offerings and improve accessibility for families of all ages and abilities.
- Health & Well-Being: Renew focus on the physical, mental, and spiritual wellness of every community member.
- Belonging: Cultivate purpose-driven staffing, membership, and leadership that reflect our community’s diversity.
“As we approach our 135th year, the board has been able to reflect on the decades spent serving neighbors and families throughout the region in such meaningful ways,” said Josh Pearson, Board President. “And now, with changes on the horizon, we invite everyone to help shape a vision that honors our heritage and ensures our Y locations continue to grow into vibrant gathering places.”
A Legacy of Impact: 135 Years
- 1890s – Foundation: Although thought to be organized in Janesville as early as 1858, it wasn’t until the early 1890s that Josiah T. Wright formed Janesville’s first Young Men’s Association, sparking the creation of the modern YMCA chapter. By 1895, the Y opened its first dedicated home at 402 W. Milwaukee St., providing a permanent gathering place for fellowship and growth.
- 1920s – New Spaces: The new YMCA building at 54 S. Franklin St. opened in 1926 and the expansion of facilities and programs welcomed new initiatives and spaces including a gymnasium, small swimming pool, all-purpose room, club and exercise rooms, locker rooms, a boys game room and adult lounges.
- 1950s – Facility Expansion: In 1967, the Janesville YMCA launched an $882,862 public fundraising campaign to renovate its overcrowded 1926 building at Franklin and Dodge and construct a new three-story addition, with groundbreaking planned for spring 1968. This expansion followed three years of study to meet rapidly growing community needs and had a goal of increasing membership from 847 to approximately 2,500.
- 1980s – Community Spaces and New Partnerships: The YMCA’s dormitory rooms remained in use into the late 1980s and early 1990s, for men’s sleeping rooms and residential listings as late as July 1990. In 1998, the new YMCA–Janesville Boys & Girls Club and JP Cullen Gymnasium addition opened, and by 1999 construction was complete, significantly increasing space for youth programs, athletics, and community gatherings.
- 2000s – Modern Era: Following the Board’s approval of the “Building Strong Communities” strategic plan, the Y opened two program centers in 2006 and partnered with Milton and Evansville to launch youth sports and service programs. In 2007–08, we debuted a comprehensive aquatic center and helped develop Cross Ridge Park, earning the YMCA of the USA’s Excellence in Facilities Award in 2010. Major facility expansions continued with new athletic fields, wellness and exercise spaces, and culminated in the 2013 opening of the Parker YMCA in Milton.
To help launch the project, the Y will host several 135 Reshaping Sessions and learning events to bring together past board members, donors, and partners throughout May and June. These sessions will kick-start the journey as a Y Community Team is formed to help review possibilities and shape priorities for the next chapter.
For more information about the 135 & Beyond project or to join a reshaping session, visit www.ymcanrc.org/135years or contact Johanna Adams, membership and engagement director, at jadams@ymcanrc.org or 608-754-9622 ext. 1107.