Duneland YMCA Healthy Living Campus
Duneland_HLC_Exterior_4

INTRODUCING THE NEW DUNELAND YMCA HEALTHY LIVING CAMPUS - OPENING WINTER 2026

THE DUNELAND FAMILY YMCA IS A 501(C)(3) NOT-FOR-PROFIT SOCIAL SERVICES ORGANIZATION DEDICATED TO YOUTH DEVELOPMENT, HEALTHY LIVING, AND SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY. 

At the YMCA, we believe that when we devote our full strength to our mission and cause, work in partnership with others, and build on our commitment to the children, families, and underserved people of Duneland, we can address the most pressing issues of our community unlike any other organization. The Duneland YMCA Healthy Living Campus is combining adaptive reuse and new construction to create a new community hub and park in the heart of Chesterton. With the inclusion of multiple non-profit and healthcare partners, we are building more than just a YMCA. The campus will be an innovative space fostering collaboration within a one-stop-shop capable of addressing a variety of community health and wellness needs. This work is possible thanks to the donors and volunteers who give their time and financial support to the YMCA so generously.

LOCATIONS:

  • The NEW Duneland Family YMCA “Duneland YMCA Healthy Living Campus” is located in the former Chesterton Middle School at 651 W Morgan Avenue, Chesterton, Indiana 46304. The NEW location is currently serving members and non-members in Aquatics, Art & Enrichment, Senior Programs, Summer Camps, Youth Sports, and Partner Services. It will be fully operational as a YMCA in Winter of 2026. 
  • The Current Duneland Family YMCA at 215 Roosevelt Street, Chesterton, Indiana 46304 is still fully operating as a YMCA, serving members and non-members. Future use and plans for the current location have not been determined. We look forward to sharing exciting updates as plans become available!
  • The Forchetti Family YMCA Center for Early Learning is located at 270 E Burdick Road, Chesterton, Indiana 46304 offering full day and half day state licensed early childhood development for children ages six weeks to five years old, preparing them for kindergarten with academic, social/emotional, and motor skill development. 

DUNELAND YMCA HEALTHY LIVING CAMPUS PROJECT FAQS

THE NEW DUNELAND YMCA HEALTHY LIVING CAMPUS IS A $12,000,000 PROJECT WITH FULL USE OF OVER 115,000 SQ FT OF EXISTING BUILDING SPACE AND 20 ACRES OF SURROUNDING PROPERTY.

COMMUNITY BENEFITS:

  • Offer additional experiences and services for kids and families to be healthy, active, explore interests, learn new skills, and grow self-confidence through programs like Youth Sports and Summer Camps utilizing 20 acres of green space.
  • Offer life-saving skills, new techniques, exercise, and gain confidence through new Aquatics Programs in our indoor pool.
  • Additional capacity to expand programs and services to teens and seniors for programs and activities.
  • Provide a safe, fun environment for children and families indoors and outdoors through new programs and services.
  • Support families by expanding summer learning loss prevention and safety around water through programs like day camp and swim lessons.
  • Expand art and enrichment programs for the community using new spaces and renovating the former auditorium.
  • Increase job and career development opportunities.
  • Expand health and human services through programs and partnerships with co-located partners.

FAQS

What is the timeline?

Demolition will be completed Winter of 2025. We hope to break ground in Spring of 2025 and open the new facility Winter of 2026.

What will become of the current YMCA building?

We are currently operating as a YMCA until the new facility is complete. Future use and plans have not been determined.

Are you raising money to fund this project?

The current phase of the project is being funded by generous donors who believe in the work of the Y’s impact on the Duneland and surrounding communities. The completion of this project and future phases will require raising additional funds. 

Are the plans, drawings, photos, and names shown the final plans?

No, ALL plans, drawings, photos, and named areas of the project are only concepts at this time and subject to change. We are still working through final details and will share more information soon.

How will current YMCA members be affected?

Current Duneland YMCA members will benefit from upgraded facilities and expanded program offerings and services. At this time, an increase in membership and/or program fees have not been determined.

Is the YMCA still open?

YES! We are currently operating programs and classes at the current location and limited programs and classes at the new location. 

How do I donate to this project? Are there naming opportunities?

We welcome all donations, opportunities for room/area sponsorships, and match programs. If you are interested in helping to create a life-changing YMCA for our community, please contact Dave Kasarda, CEO of Duneland YMCA, at [email protected] or call (219)926-4204.

Why are you building a new facility rather than renovating the existing building?

The YMCA has outgrown our current location, which needs extensive renovations and additions to fully service the community like the new location will be able to do. We are grateful that our current location has been our home for many years and look forward to growing into our new location for many more years to come! 

Who should I contact with questions about the construction or demolition?

Berglund Construction is the construction manager for this project. Questions can be directed to [email protected].

Who is the media contact?

Press, media, and marketing questions can be directed to [email protected]

JOIN OUR MISSION

CONCEPTS/RENDERINGS
K. Nevers
K. NeversTown of Chesterton
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...THE MOST INNOVATIVE & VISIONARY PARTNERSHIP IN THE TOWN OF CHESTERTON'S HISTORY.
Zack Wellsand
Zack WellsandWellsand Landscaping & Hardscapes
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I definitely think the Healthy Living Campus will be the center of the town. I'm most excited for the community to have access to all the amenities the campus will provide. I think investing in this project is important for the future of this town. There will be so many avenues for child development, physically, mentally and socially. Investing and creating the right spaces for leaders to teach and coach our kids how to be good humans is ultimately the best legacy a whole community could leave behind for generations to come.
Wess Audsley
Wess AudsleyAmerican City Bureau
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In its contemporary form and inclusive function, the YHLC will serve as an education, health, and social equity hub for the residents of the Duneland communities and an example of what is possible for the YMCA as a Movement and the communities local Ys serve across the country.
Tony Forchetti
Tony Forchetti
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It will now become a focal point for the community and allow growth in all sorts of ways beyond the campus, which is fantastic!
Mark Chamberlain
Mark ChamberlainCAPTRUST
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I’m so excited about the possibilities at the YMCA Healthy Living Campus because the partnerships being formed there will provide something for everyone!
Elissa Dortmund
Elissa DortmundDuneland Education Foundation
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Our foundation shares the same goals of enhancing educational experiences with the Duneland community and being able to give youth a place to enhance their learning through STEM. I am excited to see the STEM program in action at this incredible campus!
Linnea Forchetti
Linnea Forchetti
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We think this is a wonderful concept and so much more than just a Y! We are hopeful that this project will ignite a spark in the community that ripples throughout the downtown area. The community has been so good to us, to our kids, that it is important for us to give back by investing in the Y!
Mariann Frigo
Mariann FrigoJacob's Ladder
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Having the YMCA Healthy Living Campus partners in the same building is going to be lifechanging for our parents who can schedule a massage, join a swim or art class, or sit in the sauna. The campus affords them a chance to have a two- or three-hour break by allowing their child to move from therapy sessions into Y care while parents have the pure luxury of taking care of themselves for a few hours.
DeAnna Wellsand
DeAnna WellsandWellsand Landscaping & Hardscapes
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When I hear ‘Healthy Living Campus,’ it’s exciting to imagine how this project will function as a campus and not just a YMCA. The idea that Chesterton can be a forerunner to model to other communities what a healthy living campus actually is, has me excited for the possibilities that our YMCA will be the best in our region!
Jeff Berglund
Jeff BerglundBerglund Construction
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We are proud to be the construction manager of this innovative development. We value our close partnership with the Duneland YMCA and will work alongside the Y to ensure the community is brought along through the construction process. We look forward to a safe and productive project. We are cognizant of the importance of this work not only for the Healthy Living Campus but also for Chesterton overall.
Dave Kasarda
Dave KasardaDuneland Family YMCA
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This is the beginning of a brighter future for our community. The Duneland YMCA Healthy Living Campus will be a beacon of hope and a hub of opportunity, fostering growth, unity, and wellness for every individual we serve. Each shovel of earth turned is a step toward enriching lives and strengthening our community fabric. Every investment supports innovative approaches to healthy living, strengthens our capacity for outreach, and allows us to create a more inclusive environment where every individual has the opportunity to thrive.
Jim Trout
Jim Trout2024 YMCA Chairman of the Board
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This groundbreaking represents a significant step towards the Y's part in the strengthening our community, fostering economic growth, and deepening our commitment of stewardship and connection within the Duneland Community. The board and I are thrilled to be part of something that will leave a lasting and positive impact for generations to come.
Elizabeth Adcock
Elizabeth AdcockFormer Chairman of the Board
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It’s emotional to see this dream become a reality for this community. The impact of the Healthy Living Campus will be measurable, and I anticipate it will exceed any expectations that we have had to this point.
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