ESCANABA — In order to better meet their shared vision of meeting the needs of the community, Bay College and the Northern Lights YMCA are entering into a new 50-year agreement Monday that Bay College says will set a bold new course for decades to come.

The updated partnership accommodates the growth both organizations expect to see in the future.

“The biggest winner here is the community,” Northern Lights YMCA Executive Director Gary Nash said. “Both the YMCA and Bay are here to serve, and this new partnership enhances our relationship so that we can continue to co-exist, plan for the future and strengthen the impact in the community. We couldn’t be more excited.”

Bay College President Laura Coleman echoed Nash’s sentiments.

“It is a win-win for the community as both organizations desired more space for their programming while remaining in close proximity,” she said. “Prior to the new agreement, Bay College moved workforce development and training, EMT/paramedic, Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) and a portion of the Norse athletic programs closer on campus, while the YMCA started transitioning to the recently vacated M-TEC building.”

The pact represents the beginning of a three-phase plan made possible by a $3 million grant from the Hannahville Indian Community. Part of the grant — $1 million worth — was used to build locker rooms for Bay College Norse athletics. The remaining $2 million was designated for the YMCA project.

In Phase 1 of the project, which will begin this spring, will provide YMCA members with a completely-renovated fitness, youth and wellness center. The renovations are anticipated to be completed by fall and will cost roughly $1.7 million to complete.

Construction of a new pool within the new Y facility will occur in Phase 2, following a capital fundraising campaign by the YMCA tentatively set to begin early in 2022 but based on community economic conditions. With this timeline, the new pool would be ready for use no later than 2024. The old YMCA pool will remain in service until completion of the new pool.

Coleman said the Bay College Physical Education Center will need renovations when the YMCA finishes the first two phases of the project. This will include using the space currently occupied by the YMCA’s pool. Once the YMCA opens the new pool, the Y will fill in the old pool so Bay can continue with its planned upgrades.

“We have no doubt that the support necessary for the pool construction will be there,” Nash said, adding a quiet capital campaign is already underway and has been met with positive feedback.

Plans for change at the YMCA have been in the air for some time. Prior to the COVID-19 outbreak, the Y announced a $6.5 million expansion plan that would have continued a shared space setup at the current YMCA location. Those plans took a backseat as the pandemic unfolded, and eventually new ideas emerged.

“We were able to reassess, work together and generate some new ideas that truly are working out best for both parties and provide an even more meaningful positive impact for our community” said Nash. “The YMCA is so fortunate to have such a supportive partner in Bay College, and we are thrilled to see our relationship reinforced for the future.”

According to Bay College, the new plan allows both Bay and the YMCA to continue to grow and provide users with a new facility faster than the previous plan would have. It will also come at a lower overall cost for the YMCA.

“Delta County residents are going to get a much larger and new YMCA, and by being in our own space the possibilities for the future are just about endless,” said Nash.

Gundlach-Champion of Iron Mountain has been commissioned to lead Phase 1 of the project. The company recently completed the renovation of Northern Lights YMCA Dickinson Center.