The Kantzler Foundation made a grant of $500,000 for the construction of a new YMCA in downtown Bay City. The YMCA was established in Bay city in 1885 providing opportunities health and fitness programs to youth and adults, child care and youth leadership.

The age and design of the former facility was not meeting the interest and needs of the youth, adults and families of the 21st century. The Y Board determined that replacing the facility with a new state-of-the-art facility was the best investment and in the organization’s, as well as community’s best interest. The new facility in a new location has allowed the Y to develop new programs and services necessary to carry out its mission in the Bay Area.