Groundbreaking for Neal Center YMCA Held in Toledo

Despite the cold and wind, a good crowd gathered Tuesday afternoon in Toledo for a groundbreaking ceremony for the Neal Center YMCA.

Late businessman and philanthropist Burnham Neal was a native of Toledo, and had a goal for years of developing a community center in the Cumberland County seat. When he died in 2012, it was learned he had left $3 million for the project.

Neal had already been meeting with a group of volunteers concerning the project when it was decided to partner with the Mattoon YMCA to develop a location in Toledo to serve as the community center.

The Neal Center will offer an indoor pool, a full gym and half gym, indoor walking and jogging track, fitness studios, wellness center, child watch room, multipurpose and youth room, and lobby.

Mattoon YMCA CEO Blake Fairchild said the main contractor, K. Wohltman Construction of Effingham, will be getting the project underway in the very near future. The goal is to have the facility open by December 1, 2018. 

The plan is to serve Toledo and other Cumberland County communities and perhaps neighboring counties. There will be a reciprocal agreement with the Mattoon YMCA to use each others facilities.

Fairchild plans to hold an informational meeting on January 23 at Cumberland High School. YMCA staff members will provide information on the various programs available and how people can take advantage of those programs.