GREATER JOLIET AREA YMCA

The Greater Joliet Area YMCA was excited to welcome the community to a groundbreaking ceremony at the site of the future Village of Shorewood YMCA on Thursday, November 21. More than 180 people were in attendance to help the Y celebrate the construction of the new facility, which is being built on Route 52 in Shorewood and is expected to open to the community in spring 2026.

Plainfield Shorewood Area Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Tasha Marsaglia opened the event by welcoming guests and introducing YMCA member Stephen Blount, who provided the morning’s invocation.

Greater Joliet Area YMCA President and CEO Katy Leclair then took the podium to speak about the Y’s deep-rooted history in our community, encouraging attendees to reflect on the role the Y has played in their lives. She also celebrated the impact the future facility will have for residents of all ages and thanked the Y’s Board of Directors for their unwavering commitment to the project. Leclair also praised the Village of Shorewood, Mayor Clarence “CC” DeBold, and the Village Board of Trustees for their support and partnership.

“The YMCA has proudly served the community for nearly 100 years, and we are so excited to write the next chapter of our storied history in Shorewood,” Leclair said. “Of course, I am very excited for the unbelievable amenities this beautiful facility will offer for our community, but I am even more excited about the Y stories it will create. The connections that will be made and the bonds of friendship that will grow will transform this building into a thriving community center.”

Leclair invited Mayor Debold to share his vision for the partnership between the Y and the Village of Shorewood. He emphasized that Y programs will provide fun activities like youth sports leagues for kids, as well as important health and wellness programs for adults and seniors, all while adding employment opportunities to the Shorewood community. Upon opening, the new facility will also serve as the home for the Y’s Regional Office, which provides support and leadership to all YMCA branches and program sites in Will and Grundy Counties. 

Minooka Community High School District 111 Superintendent Dr. Robert Schiffbauer then spoke about the impact the new facility will have on Minooka High School student-athletes. Beginning in fall 2026, the Y will serve as the home for the school’s swim teams. He thanked the Y for providing more opportunities for students to have an enriching high school experience. 

Schiffbauer then introduced Cheri Rubocki, Chairman of the YMCA’s Board of Directors, who reflected on her experiences as a YMCA swim team parent and volunteer, and expressed her excitement to work alongside the Village of Shorewood to serve our community.

“On behalf of the YMCA’s Board of Directors, I would like to thank Mayor DeBold and the Village Board of Trustees for their partnership and support of the YMCA’s mission. I know that I speak for the Board when I say that we are looking forward to working with the Village to serve our community for generations to come,” Rubocki said. 

Village of Shorewood Advisory Council Chairman Dr. Karla Guseman then highlighted the Y’s commitment to youth development and its financial assistance program, which will help to ensure that YMCA’s programs are available for children, adults, and families living in Shorewood and the greater Joliet community.

Trisha Dust, who will serve as the Village of Shorewood YMCA Executive Director when the facility opens, closed the program by recognizing the contributions of YMCA staff and shared the team’s gratitude for the overwhelming support this new facility has already received from the community. 

To learn more about the Village of Shorewood YMCA, please contact Executive Director Trisha Dust at (815) 744-3939, ext. 327 or visit www.jolietymca.org.