Caledonia — Where there previously was an empty field across the street from Duncan Lake Middle School and a stone’s throw from Holy Family Catholic Church, now stands the new Cal Community Center.
It opens to the public today, March 3.
The district’s signature purple color and the YMCA’s logo are prominently displayed on the building’s front, 9757 Kraft Ave. SE. Shades of purple are also in the flooring, carpeting and the windows.
At a ribbon-cutting ceremony Feb. 27, community members joined CCS staff and students to walk the building’s halls for the first time.
Inside, patrons found the Caledonia Resource Center, spaces for YMCA programming and pool facilities, which serve as the new home of Caledonia High School’s boys and girls swim teams.
Constructed by Rockford Construction and designed by C2AE and Stantec, the center was made possible by a $88.09 million bond passed in May 2020 and in partnership with the YMCA.
The center serves as the eighth YMCA location in the Greater Grand Rapids area, and the YMCA will waive its membership joining fee through March 31.
Scott Lewis, president and CEO of YMCA of Greater Grand Rapids, said the partnership with CCS “exemplifies the YMCA’s commitment to strengthening community through collaboration.”
“Together, we are creating a space where individuals of all ages can prioritize their health, build meaningful connections and access the comprehensive programs and services the YMCA offers,” he said.
Committed to a Community Vision
Walking in the main doors, blue and purple sea glass on the welcome desk catch the eye.
Down the hall and upstairs, the community center offers amenities for all ages, including a fitness and wellness area, kids zone, basketball court and purple indoor track.
A splash pad next to the leisure pool allows children and families to swim and play together. Railings and pools designed for getting in and out with ease help meet a range of mobility needs.
“It’s a community center, and we want to represent and serve the different generations of our community,” Superintendent Dirk Weeldreyer said.
There are separate entrances for the CCS Resource Center and swim meet families and supporters.
Monique Brennan, CCS community education and outreach coordinator, called having a new space for the resource center a “vision come to life.”
“With the opening of the Cal Community Center, we’re creating a space that truly reflects the heart of our community,” she said.
When previous Superintendent Dedrick Martin broke ground for the Cal Community Center in October 2021, he said student swimmers’ “hunger for a space to call their own” sparked the idea to figure out a solution.
Both swim teams now have their own home pool for practices and to host competitions, complete with locker rooms and elevated spectator viewing platform. YMCA employees will work alongside the swim program’s coach and provide pool maintenance.
In the days leading up to the grand opening, Weeldreyer echoed Martin’s original sentiment about building a new space to bring the community together.
“This facility is more than just a building, it’s a place where our students, families and residents can connect, grow and thrive together,” he said. “We’re incredibly grateful to our community for making this vision a reality, and we look forward to welcoming everyone to explore all that it offers.”
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