Northwest Y Playground Project
Help us build a playground at our Northwest YMCA!

For generations, the Monroe County YMCA has been a place where children, families, and neighbors come together to learn, grow, and thrive. Today, we're working to make our Northwest YMCA even more welcoming by creating a brand-new outdoor playground that gives children a safe and engaging place to play.
Our goal is to raise $50,000 by October 9. With your support, we can transform an underutilized outdoor space into a vibrant community asset that serves thousands of local children and families each year.

Building on Proven Success! 

Last year, our community came together to successfully fund a new playground project at the Southeast YMCA through the Indiana Housing and Community Development Authority's (IHCDA) CreatINg Places program. Thanks to generous supporters, that campaign reached its fundraising goal and helped bring a much-needed community space to life.

Now, we're ready to bring that same opportunity to families on Bloomington's west side!

The Northwest YMCA serves a growing population of children and families who rely on the Y for youth programs, summer camps, and healthy activities. A dedicated playground will provide an additional space for active play, social development, family connection, and FUN.

Play. Connection. Community.

Playgrounds are more than places to climb and slide.

Playgrounds are places where children:

  • Build confidence and independence
  • Develop physical strength and coordination
  • Create friendships and lasting memories
  • Unplug from screens and engage in healthy outdoor activity

Moreover, this playground will be built with purpose.

  • Thoughtfully designed for children of all ages
  • Safely constructed with modern equipment and safe surfaces
  • Community focused, serving local families throughout the year
  • Built for Belonging by creating opportunities for every child to feel like part of our team

For many families in our community, the YMCA is a second home. Adding a playground to our Northwest branch will create more opportunities for children to play in a safe, welcoming environment.

Every Child Belongs at the Y

At the Monroe County YMCA, we believe every child deserves the opportunity to learn, grow, and thrive, regardless of their family's financial circumstances.

Through our Y for All financial assistance program, we work every day to remove barriers that prevent children from participating in the life-changing experiences the Y provides. In 2026 alone, more than 700 local children received membership scholarships, ensuring access to healthy activities, supportive relationships, and a place where they belong. Many of these same children also attended summer camp through Y for All scholarships, creating opportunities for discovery, friendship, and unforgettable memories.

A new playground at the Northwest YMCA is another way we can live out that commitment. It will provide a welcoming place where children from all backgrounds can play side by side, build confidence, develop social connections, and simply enjoy being kids.

Because at the Y, we don't just build programs and facilities; we build belonging. And when we create spaces that are open and inviting, every child has a place to play and grow.
 

Slide into our campaign!

Every dollar raised will support the development and construction of the Northwest YMCA Playground, but we need YOUR help! If we reach our goal of $45,000, all donations will be matched by the Indiana Housing and Community Development Authority (IHCDA). 

Whether you give $25, $250, or $2,500, your contribution helps create a space where children can be active, healthy, and connected!
 

Donate today and help us build the future one playground at a time.