CLARION, Pa. (EYT) – Construction has begun at the new Clarion County YMCA, and two local contractors were part of the true groundbreaking last week at the site on Mayfield Road.
Clarion-based Terra Works cleared brush and erected the safety fencing in preparation for paving by Strattanville-based Hager Paving.
According to Gary Marshall, construction manager for Altoona-based Leonard S. Fiore, Inc, the general contractor on the project, some ground clearing work will be completed next week in preparation for paving.
“We’re hoping to get some dirt moved in the next week or so and then begin paving,” Marshall said. “The first of September, we’ll put the bids out for concrete, masonry, and the pre-engineered metal building.”
“The hope is to have the building up by Christmas, so we can work inside during the brunt of the winter. But, if not, we’ll work outside, too,” Marshall said.
Clarion County YMCA representatives are pleased that local contractors have been able to begin the work at the 12-acre site where a new, state-of-the-art Y will stand in about a year from now.
“Standing out on that property and just seeing the brush cleared was something,” Clarion County Branch Manager Jesse Kelley said. “It meant we are the beneficiaries of 25 years of hopes, plans, and dreams of so many leaders and volunteers in this community that have worked so hard.”
“It’s an amazing feeling.”
“Just seeing progress is a positive thing,” Kelley said. “We are very pleased that local contractors have been so interested in the project and that we’ve been able to award two bids to them.”
“This campaign was built through the people of Clarion County who work hard and we’ve received so many gifts from small businesses here that really had to dig deep to do it.”
Kelley said he hopes to see local contractors be very involved for the bids for concrete, electric, and plumbing.
“We know we have the people in the county do the work, and we want as much participation as possible from them,” Kelley said. “It’s our responsibility to spend the community’s money well and stay within our budget.”