Muskingum Recreation Center has officially transitioned to the Buckeye Valley Family YMCA, no longer exists as an independent entity
Ohio University and the Buckeye Valley Family YMCA are pleased to announce that the Muskingum County Family YMCA has entered into a long-term agreement to operate within the facility formerly managed by the Muskingum Recreation Center (MRC) effective July 2022.
While the Muskingum Recreation Center will no longer independently exist, its programming and services will officially transition to the Buckeye Valley Family YMCA.
“This union creates an exciting opportunity to serve more individuals and families through a shared mission focused on youth development and healthier communities,” Buckeye Valley Family YMCA CEO Adam Shilling said. “I am truly grateful to the board members and staff at both the YMCA and Ohio University for their commitment to the Y mission to make a deeper impact in the communities we serve.”
Located on the Ohio University Zanesville/Zane State Campus, the MRC was founded in 2009 through a partnership of Genesis HealthCare System, Muskingum County Community Foundation, Muskingum Family Y and Ohio University. Following multiple years of financial challenges and restructuring of the MRC, OHIO took the lead in supporting the entity to the benefit of the community. In 2019 the Muskingum Family Y merged with the Licking County Family YMCA association, forming the Buckeye Valley Family YMCA, which has been successfully operating within the MRC facilities for the past few years.
“OHIO has successfully fulfilled its commitment to ensure sustainability for the Muskingum County Family YMCA as a long-term community fixture,” MRC Board member and former Ohio University Senior Vice President for Finance and Administration Deborah J. Shaffer said. “The YMCA has been a strong partner in advancing our common goal of improving rural and community health in the region while providing an opportunity for community engagement, and we have great confidence that they will continue to create positive, impactful experiences for the region.”
The Buckeye Valley Family YMCA mission closely aligns with the MRC to provide residents and visitors a safe, clean, and well-maintained facility that promotes health, education, and recreation through a network of quality programs, activities, and amenities that strengthen the individual, family, and community, both now and for future generations. This transition will ensure that everyone, regardless of age, income or background, has the opportunity to improve their health and to learn, grow and thrive at the Y, while also providing for the long-term sustainability of the Muskingum County Family YMCA.