Community Center raising funds for project

PENN YAN--The Yates Community Center is working towards the fundraising goal of $2.2 million for new facilities including an indoor turf facility with enough space to play soccer and lacrosse in the cold months. If constructed, the roughly 9,000 square foot indoor facility would be the first of its kind in Yates County.
"The reason this came about was a study on the state of play, looking at different areas where kids play and their access to facilities for play and what were the options," said Leigh Berry, president of the Yates Community Center board of directors.
The survey showed that half of the people couldn't get to a physical activity location.
Once all the funding is in place, construction can begin. The project would be located alongside the current building on North Main Street in Penn Yan.
"Its always been on the long-term plan for the community center but always been a funding issue," said Berry.
A lot of money still needs to be raised to meet that goal.
"We have already received a $500,000 matching grant from the state and for the rest, we are holding local fundraisers along with seeking support from local municipalities and businesses," said Berry. "We have some pretty big corporate (entities) in the area who might be able to help. Every little bit helps."
The group has also secured a $50,000 jumpstart pledge from Greenidge Corp. and has $100,000 in the YCC building fund.
Working every local connection is tantamount to getting a project of this size complete, Berry added, which is why even as an unpaid volunteer, countless hours have been spent to make the new facility a reality through networking and grant writing.
"It would also have a playground and hard courts for basketball and pickleball," Berry added. "Nowadays you have to have pickleball."
Along with providing an indoor facility for youth sports and activities during the long cold months of winter, the facility would have benefits for every resident of Yates.
"We have no lack of ideas for beautiful programs for all aspects of the community," Berry mentioned. "Not just the youth but also adults and the elderly."
Berry mentioned classes, community events and craft fairs being held indoors during the winter events as other benefits the community would get if the new facility is built.
"And don't forget the robotics club...The list goes on and on," Berry added.