This Just Became Missoula’s Greatest Place for Families

Missoula's dream became a reality this week, as hundreds of people gathered to celebrate the completion of a $20 million, multi-year effort that has resulted in one of the best places for families in the Garden City.

Just over 4 years after launching a capital campaign and after decades of planning, the Missoula Family YMCA welcomed the community to see the unbelievable changes that have taken place on the "Y's" Russell Street campus.

An unbelievable accomplishment

There was determination, but also some trepidation, when YMCA leaders decided to launch the fundraising campaign while the community still had its hands full with COVID disruptions and an uncertain future.

But thanks to Missoula's generous heart, and a lot of hard work by Y volunteers and staff, the campaign not only met, but exceeded its original goal of $15 million, eventually raising just over $20 million. That came from not only large sponsors like the Washington Foundation, but hundreds of businesses and individuals, giving a few thousand or a hundred dollars here, right down to the most humble donations from families.

READ MORE: YMCA donation is a huge boost for childcare 

A campus of energy and possibilities

During the Community Block Party on Thursday evening, YMCA staff took people through the facilities, which are radically different from the aging buildings that served the community for years.

Now there is a sparkling new swimming pool, workout rooms with state-of-the-art equipment, exercise studios, a climbing wall, and even an indoor running track.

Right next door, the new Phyllis Washington Early Child Care Center provides a badly-needed option for child care, with an adjacent playground and splash park.

And the new "Airnasium" will be a unique place where "Y" members can play pickleball, have a corn hole tournament, or play basketball, in a covered setting while still enjoying a beautiful Missoula day.