Marshall YMCA Moves Forward with Major Renovations

Issue #221

18 Mar

In this Marshall Area Insider issue…

🌨️ Marshall, MN Weather - Rain and snow with a high of 49

🗞️ Marshall YMCA Moves Forward with Major Renovations

🗞️ Marshall Gains New Taxi Operator After Previous Service Shuts Down

📣 Want to get your business in the Marshall Area Insider? Let’s talk!

📌 Know of other local events not listed? Send us the details!

Marshall YMCA Moves Forward with Major Renovations

The Marshall Area YMCA is preparing for a series of major upgrades, with the first of these improvements—a new indoor playground—expected to open later this year. This week, the YMCA took a significant step forward by placing an order for new play structures, with plans to have the playground ready by mid-August.

These renovations are part of an ongoing capital campaign, which has raised approximately 93% of its $750,000 goal. Support for the project has come from local businesses, community organizations, individual donors, and grant applications. YMCA leaders have expressed gratitude for the strong community backing that has helped push the campaign forward.

One of the most anticipated changes will be the transformation of two existing racquetball courts into a dedicated indoor play area. With racquetball declining in popularity, the space has been underutilized, making it an ideal location for a project that benefits families.

One of the courts has already been partially converted into a play space, which has proven to be popular among children and parents. The planned upgrades will introduce two new play structures—one designed specifically for toddlers and another featuring multiple climbing levels and play elements for school-aged children. In addition to the equipment, the YMCA plans to install acoustic treatments and decorative wall graphics to enhance the space.

Another significant portion of the renovations will focus on the YMCA’s fitness and weight room. With some of the cardio equipment having logged extensive use over the years, new machines are being added to refresh the space. The layout is also being re-evaluated to better align with how members use the facility, ensuring an efficient and modernized fitness experience.

Plans include upgraded weight and cardio machines, as well as a dedicated area for functional training, featuring equipment such as ropes, kettlebells, and a tank sled.

In addition to these visible changes, the capital campaign will also fund several necessary infrastructure improvements. Updates will include a new water heater and fire alarm system, maintenance on the parking lot, and other facility repairs. While these changes may not be as noticeable, they are essential to maintaining a safe and efficient environment for members and staff.

The YMCA’s community meeting room will also receive renovations, made possible through contributions from the Ted Rowe estate and the Marshall Sunrise Rotary. Rowe, who passed away in 2024, was an active community leader involved in several local organizations, including Rotary. In recognition of his legacy, the meeting room updates will be completed in his memory, reflecting his lifelong dedication to service and community engagement.

Despite multiple fundraising efforts happening in Marshall at the same time, including support for a new Aquatic Center, the YMCA has received strong contributions from private donors, businesses, and organizations. The level of support highlights the community’s recognition of the value the YMCA provides and the importance of these improvements in ensuring it continues to meet local needs for years to come.

Marshall Gains New Taxi Operator After Previous Service Shuts Down

Marshall will soon have a new taxi service after city council members approved a license for a new operator.

The decision came after a former driver for Southwest Minnesota Taxi applied for a license following the company’s closure at the end of 2024.

The application was included in the council’s consent agenda and was approved without discussion. According to city records, the applicant recognized the need for additional transportation services in Marshall and sought to continue providing taxi service.

With this approval, Marshall now has three licensed taxi operators, including DownTown DD/Marshall Taxi and Rugama’s Taxi.

The addition of another taxi provider aims to help meet the city’s transportation needs following the recent business closure.

Upcoming Area Events

 🗓️ Have an event to add? Send us the details!

Wednesday, March 19th

  • First Lutheran’s Lenten Worships: The People vs Judas Iscariot at First Lutheran (100 Church Street in Marshall) at 6:15 PM

    • Supper from 5:00 - 6:05 PM and stay for worship

Thursday, March 20th

  • True Light Christian School Promise Banquet 2025 at The Upper Room in Marshall (100 W. College Dr., Ste. 300) at 6:00 PM

    • Join True Light Christian School for an unforgettable night at the Promise Banquet, featuring Sean McDowell, and discover how you can make a lasting difference at True Light Christian School.

  • Granite Area Arts Council classes: Carving for kids starting at 5:30 PM ($15)

Friday, March 21st

  • KC/VFW Fish Fry at VFW Post 2980, 116 E Saxon St., Ivanhoe, MN from 5:00 PM - 7:30 PM

    • Serving Beer Battered Cod, French Fries, Vegetable & Dinner Roll

    • Adults $14, Children (age 10 & under) $9

Saturday, March 22nd

  • Spring Fling Pet Event at Animal Health Center in Marshall from 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM

    • FREE Photo Booth: Bring your kids and / or pets for spring themed pictures

    • Free goodie bags for all pets

    • Free juice and cookies for humans

    • …and more!

  • Youth Sports Activities & Expo at the Red Baron Arena in Marshall from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM

Tuesday, March 25th
Wednesday, March 26th

  • First Lutheran’s Lenten Worships: The People vs Judas Iscariot at First Lutheran (100 Church Street in Marshall) at 6:15 PM

    • Supper from 5:00 - 6:05 PM and stay for worship

Saturday, March 29th
Saturday and Sunday, March 29th and 30th

  • 2025 Culligan Water Marshall Home Show at the Red Baron Arena and Expo Center in Marshall

    • Saturday from 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM

    • Sunday from 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM

Sunday, March 30th
Wednesday, April 2nd (first Wednesday of every month)

  • Dementia Caregiver Support Group from 10:00 - 11:30 AM at Adult Community Center in Marshall

    • Open to everyone, come when you can, no cost or obligation to attend, refreshments available

    • For questions contact Jane Nelson Como (507) 829-1143

  • First Lutheran’s Lenten Worships: The People vs Judas Iscariot at First Lutheran (100 Church Street in Marshall) at 6:15 PM

    • Supper from 5:00 - 6:05 PM and stay for worship

Friday - Sunday, April 4, 5 and 6th
Friday, April 4th

  • KC/VFW Fish Fry at VFW Post 2980, 116 E Saxon St., Ivanhoe, MN from 5:00 PM - 7:30 PM

    • Serving Beer Battered Cod, French Fries, Vegetable & Dinner Roll

    • Adults $13, Children (age 10 & under) $9

Saturday, April 5th
Monday, April 7th

  • Marshall Area Cancer Support Group Meetings at Living Word Lutheran Church in Marshall at 6:00 PM

    • For patients, survivors, and caregivers looking for support

Wednesday, April 9th

  • First Lutheran’s Lenten Worships: The People vs Judas Iscariot at First Lutheran (100 Church Street in Marshall) at 6:15 PM

    • Supper from 5:00 - 6:05 PM and stay for worship

Sunday, April 12th

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