ESCANABA — The Northern Lights YMCA is set to move its dry-land operations to their new facility in the former Bay College M-TEC facilities. Operations at the new location are set to begin for member use on August 23.

“We’re very excited for our members to see this new facility” said Hadele Peacock, Membership And Marketing Director at the YMCA. “It’s been wonderful to see the progress, but it will be even more exciting to see it all come together and be ready to serve our members” she added.

The YMCA has been working on the relocation project since signing a new agreement with Bay College back in February. Construction began in March and the project is expected to cost a total of $1.7 million for the first phase of the project. The YMCA plans a Phase 2 project to begin after fundraising efforts are concluded. The second phase of the project will move the aquatic facilities to the new location as well. According to the YMCA this may take up to three years depending on the speed of fundraising success.

Y officials indicate the new location will provide more and better services to members and program participants.

“We think our members will see a great difference in their experience at the YMCA” said Peacock. “We have been living without some of the new features like a dedicated Youth Room, walking track, and member social area since our opening in January of 1990” she added.

The YMCA will have a formal dedication ceremony sometime in September. Information on becoming a member of the YMCA is available by calling 789-0005 or by going to their website at nlymca.com.