Wikipedia

Fremont Family YMCA

The Fremont Family YMCA is the largest YMCA in the United States located in Fremont, Nebraska.[1][2] The organization was founded in 1888 and includes the Sidner Ice Arena, the Dillon Family Aquatic Center, the Hazel R. Keene Wellness Center, and the Sidner Family Sports Complex.[3]

Fremont Family YMCA
Formation1888; 136 years ago (1888)
Location
Lindy Hoyer
Websitefremontfamilyymca.org

The first building opened in 1907 on 5th and Park streets. Prior to this, YMCA met in small rooms around Fremont.[4] The current building opened in 1969.[5] Groundbreaking ceremonies were held for the new facility in 1967.[6]

In 1985, the Sidner Family Sports Complex opened. In 1992, $1.5 million was raised for renovations, a new tennis court, and a new gymnasium.[7] In 2004, the Sidner Ice Arena opened.[8] In 2006, the Hazel R. Keene Wellness Center opened.[9] In 2018, the Dillon Family Aquatic Center opened.[10]

Sidner Ice Arena

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Front entrance of the Sidner Ice Arena.

The Sidner Ice Arena is an ice arena opened in 2004.[11] Ice is melted in April, and re-installed in August.[12] The arena was named after Evelyn Sidner, following her death in 1998.[13]

In 2023, the ice rink fell into disrepair and had to be renovated.[14][15] Local businessman Kent Johnson founded SETT LLC to help fund the project. They were able to raise $1.2 million within four months.[16][17] The Sidner Ice Arena closed April 8, of the following year for renovations.[18]

Dillon Family Aquatic Center

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Front entrance of the Dillon Family Aquatic Center.

The Dillon Family Aquatic Center is an Aquatic Center located in the Fremont Family YMCA. It is the successor to the original instructional pool built in 1969,[5] and the 25-meter lap pool built in 1994. Construction of the pool was completed in February 2018 and opened later that month.[10][19]

The Dillon Family Aquatic Center is used by Fremont Senior High School and Midland University. The facility is also open to the public.[20] The facility has a seating capacity of 450.[21]

Hazel R. Keene Wellness Center

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Front entrance to the Hazel R. Keene Wellness Center. To the left is the Sidner Family Sports Complex sign.

The Hazel R. Keene Wellness Center is a physical fitness center located at the Fremont Family YMCA. The center opened in 2006 and was named after Hazel R. Keene.[22] When it opened, the addition measured 10,000 square feet in size.[9]

Sidner Family Sports Complex

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The Sidner Family Sports Complex is a sports complex located in the Fremont Family YMCA. The complex was opened in January 1985 and was named after Arthur C. Sidner.[23] The opening of the complex caused a reported dramatic increase in membership.[4]

References

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  1. ^ "Fremont is home to largest YMCA in America". KMTV 3 News Now Omaha. November 3, 2021. Retrieved May 4, 2024.
  2. ^ Fernandez, Jacqueline (August 30, 2023). "Our Town Fremont: The largest YMCA in the U.S. and then some!". www.wowt.com. Retrieved May 4, 2024.
  3. ^ Real-McKeighan, Tammy (December 4, 2021). "Rinne to retire as president, CEO of Fremont Family YMCA". Fremont Tribune. Retrieved May 4, 2024.
  4. ^ a b "History of the YMCA". Fremont Tribune. 1985.
  5. ^ a b Tribune, Chris Zavadil/Fremont (June 27, 2013). "YMCA ready to launch aquatics center fund drive". Fremont Tribune. Retrieved May 10, 2024.
  6. ^ "Three Years Of Planning, Work Go Into New City Y". Fremont Tribune. 1969.
  7. ^ Staff, Allison Rushton/Tribune (June 26, 2002). "Ice rink skating into town". Fremont Tribune. Retrieved May 7, 2024.
  8. ^ Staff, Russ Krebs/Tribune (May 7, 2004). "Skate into Sidner Indoor Ice rink". Fremont Tribune. Retrieved May 7, 2024.
  9. ^ a b "Hazel R. Keene Wellness Center". Fremont Tribune. 2006.
  10. ^ a b "Dillon Family Aquatics Center at the Fremont Family YMCA". Weitz. Retrieved May 5, 2024.
  11. ^ "Flyers launch campaign to fund ice rink repairs". Fremont. Retrieved May 6, 2024.
  12. ^ Lundak, Marlo (January 4, 2024). "'Save Sidner': Fremont community raising funds to repair ice rink". www.wowt.com. Retrieved May 6, 2024.
  13. ^ "A Special Thank You!". Fremont Tribune. May 5, 2004.
  14. ^ Lundak, Marlo (January 4, 2024). "'Save Sidner': Fremont community raising funds to repair ice rink". www.wowt.com. Retrieved May 6, 2024.
  15. ^ "Capital campaign kicks off for renovations to Sidner Ice Arena in Fremont". KMTV 3 News Now Omaha. December 5, 2023. Retrieved May 6, 2024.
  16. ^ Larsen, Cal (April 1, 2024). "'Hopefully this is a one-time raise' group set to start repairs on Sidner Ice Arena following fundraising efforts". KETV. Retrieved May 6, 2024.
  17. ^ Tribune, JEFF FORWARD Fremont (February 28, 2024). "Donations to Sidner Ice Arena repairs top $1.2 million". Fremont Tribune. Retrieved May 6, 2024.
  18. ^ Tribune, JEFF FORWARD Fremont (April 4, 2024). "Sidner Ice Arena to close on April 8 for renovations". Fremont Tribune. Retrieved May 6, 2024.
  19. ^ Tribune, Sam Pimper Fremont (February 6, 2018). "Ribbon Cutting held for Dillon Family YMCA Aquatic Center". Fremont Tribune. Retrieved May 5, 2024.
  20. ^ "Dillon Family Aquatic Center". Athletic Business. Retrieved May 7, 2024.
  21. ^ "Dillon Family Aquatic Center". www.swimcloud.com. Retrieved May 7, 2024.
  22. ^ Buffington, Tracy (December 15, 2005). "Wellness center will honor Keene". Fremont Tribune. Retrieved May 6, 2024.
  23. ^ Nolan, Jim (March 15, 1985). "Sidner complex makes Fremont Y one of the best". Fremont Tribune.
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