From Vision to Reality

• The Yates Cultural & Recreational Resources was incorporated as a NY State 501-c3 not-for-profit organization.
  

Community Support & A New Fitness Center

• Numerous committees were formed to determine the location, the plan, and how to raise the money. 
• Executive Director Amy Leisenfelder was hired to help organize the work.
• Marianne Trombley accepted an un-paid position as Volunteer Coordinator and began to form a nucleus of YCRR volunteers who assisted with a variety of events.
• A significant milestone was achieved when the YCRR and Soldiers & Sailors formed a partnership, resulting in locating space for a fitness center.  Housed in the former Dr. McLaughlin's office, leasing 463 North Main Street marked a significant step in expanding the YCRR’s reach and impact within the community. The YCRR's commitment to enhancing the well-being of all residents and visitors in Yates County was taking root, and the organization's mission was being realized step by step. Dr. Ed Eaves donated the equipment for the exercise center and Soldiers & Sailors leased the building for our use at no rental fee.
  

Our First Fitness & Wellness Center Opens

• YCRR opened the 463 North Main Street Fitness & Wellness Center which was managed by a strong group of volunteers. 
• Virginia Maeske generously donated approximately 6 acres of land behind the John D Kelly Behavioral Center.
  

The Maeske Family Land Becomes Central to the YCRR's Future Home

• In 2006 the YCRR Board, the S&S Board, Finger Lakes Health Board, surveyors, engineers, and lawyers worked on the placement of an access road through hospital property to our future site. 
• Late in 2006, the Maeske Family agreed to allow the access road to go through its property to the YCRR site. 
  

Maeske Lane is Created & 8 Acres are Added

• In the spring of 2007, through the efforts of Board members Jerry Kernahan and Don Stork and the willingness of the Maeske Family, additional acreage was given to YCRR to bring the total to nearly 14 acres. The additional land allowed for better site placement of a building, a possible future expansion of a swimming pool, and better driveway access and parking.
• Maeske Lane, the access road, was dedicated on May 18, 2007.
  

Construction Starts on the New Fitness Center

• Under the direction of Board President Katie Peterson, construction on the current 467 North Main Street Yates Community Fitness Center began.
  

Our Current Fitness Center Opens

• In December of 2015 the new Fitness Center located at 467 North Main Street in Penn Yan opened its doors.
• This project would not have been possible without the many people who helped build the center through donations, materials, grants, and volunteer work.
  

Walking Trails and Youth Lacrosse, the YCC Expands

• Toby Bond sold the adjacent 9.7 acres of land to the YCRR. This purchase allowed for the trails to expand to 3.1 miles and for more exciting visions to be developed.
• Penn Yan Lacrosse Program sets up a Lacrosse Box on the Yates Community Center property. Boys, girls and adults continue to utilize the box for both practices, games, and summer programs.
  

ELEVATE Youth Begins & Community Partnerships Form

• The YCRR became the fiscal sponsor for Our Town Rocks (OTR).
• At the same time, ELEVATE Youth was formed. The ELEVATE Youth program was started to place focus on providing activities for our youth. Play Pals began and is still a thriving program today.
• Local artist Sam Castner, along with community members and local youth, created a 14-foot metal sculpture. The workshop “Exploring Ecology Through Metal”. attracted adults, teens, and children. During the workshop, they learned design, welding techniques, and teamwork. The metal sculpture still stands proudly at the Yates Community Center.
• The Penn Yan Academy Cross Country team began to utilize the YCC’s outdoor trails for both practice and meets.
  

COVID Hits Us All

• The center was cleaned, cleaned some more, and maintained during COVID until it could be reopened. And as always, Yates county residents slowly came back to support our vision. While many businesses and non-profits failed during this time, the Yates Community Center held on thanks to our amazing community.
• Because of COVID, the YCC purchased outdoor fitness equipment allowing residents to exercise outdoors at any time.
  

The YCC Continues to Expand its Mission & Offerings

• Between reopening from COVID to today, the Yates Community Center has continued to thrive! Our membership to the Fitness Center continues to grow each month. 
• A proposal to build a new Field House for all was developed by the YCC's dedicated Board of Directors.
• The Yates County Legislature granted the YCC $2 million to be utilized for our future new facility.
• Another generous donation from the Stork (Bowles) Family allowed for a full-size basketball court to be built which is also lined for 3 pickle-ball courts
• A new community playground was erected during this time.
• Our new pavilion became a reality through the leadership of Norm Koek. Donated materials and labor made this pavilion possible, as well as donated, hand-made picnic tables from the Penn Yan Academy Workshop Class.