Thanks to an anonymous donor, the YMCA now will be able to provide its members with better workout facilities.

The amount of money given and any information about the donor are being withheld at the donor’s request.

The YMCA has a membership of about 6,400 and continues to grow.

The new facilities will include construction of a 6,900-square-foot workout room, and use of the old space to create rooms for numerous educational services for the community.

The new fitness area will contain cardiovascular equipment, weight machines, free weights and will provide more than triple the amount of weights of the old room. The old workout room in the basement now will be converted into an activity area for youth programs.

YMCA program executive Sue Munz said the new workout room’s location is great because it brings the cardio equipment and weight machines out of the basement and the weight room out of the back area, and will “put our members into the light.”

The new corridor will provide a connection between the indoor hockey area and the new pool and should be completed by spring 2004.

During the short-term construction period, any services offered by the YMCA will not be interrupted. The only setback is a closed back door to the sports center, which will then create easier accessibility by connecting the new lap pool to the sports center.

The dream is not yet a reality. A campaign to raise more money will begin in November 2003 and be put together as a “capital campaign” where members of the community are sought to help fund construction costs.

NIU students now will have a formidable opponent to the Student Recreation Center. Anyone is allowed to join the Y for monthly or annual membership rates.