City of Gary Announces Plans for Tolleston Opportunity Campus; Groundbreaking Ceremony to Follow Next Month

GARY, IN — The City of Gary unveiled plans today for the Tolleston Opportunity Campus, a transformative community hub developed in partnership with Crossroads YMCA, the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Northwest Indiana, and Methodist Hospitals.

"The Tolleston Opportunity Campus will be a catalyst for transformation in Gary," said Mayor Melton. "By bringing together trusted community partners under one roof, we're addressing our residents' most pressing needs and creating a resource that will enhance the quality of life for families across our city for generations to come."

The state-of-the-art facility, designed with extensive community input, will feature:

• Multi-purpose gymnasium for sports and community events
• Modern classrooms for educational workshops and job training
• Wellness center with fitness equipment and group exercise spaces
• Child development center offering early childhood education
• Teaching kitchen for nutrition education
• Outdoor recreational spaces and sports fields
• Community gathering areas  

Jay Buckmaster, President/CEO at Crossroads YMCA, expressed enthusiasm for the project.

"We are thankful to partner with the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Northwest Indiana and Methodist Hospitals to create a safe place for all to learn, grow, and thrive. The Gary YMCA at the Tolleston Opportunity Campus will serve people of all ages through wellness programs, activities, and family-centered initiatives."

The Campus will offer comprehensive programming focused on:

• Youth Development – After-school programs, summer camps, and mentorship opportunities
• Health and Wellness – Fitness classes, health screenings, and mental health support
• Economic Empowerment – Job training, financial literacy workshops, and entrepreneurial support
• Family Services – Parenting classes, volunteer opportunities, and social service connections

Methodist Hospitals plans to bring their services to the facility, making healthcare more accessible to both Gary and Northwest Indiana residents.  

"To fulfill the Methodist Hospitals' mission to provide high quality health care services to all those in need, we must take our services beyond the hospital walls into the communities we serve,” stated Methodist Hospitals President and CEO, Matt Doyle. “The Tolleston Opportunity Campus represents an important venue where we can collaborate with other community organizations to place preventive, wellness, screening, and other services in a convenient location where people gather. We are excited and gratified to be a part of such a significant project in our home city of Gary."

The Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Northwest Indiana will also expand its services to the Campus.  

“The Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Northwest Indiana is proud to collaborate with the City of Gary, YMCA, and Methodist Hospitals as we bring our innovative shared vision to life for the families and children of Gary,” stated Mike Jessen of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Northwest Indiana. “As a historic cornerstone of the new Tolleston Campus, our John Will Anderson Club will continue to expand our long history of service in the community. Collectively we can accomplish so much more than we can alone.”

The Tolleston Opportunity Campus is projected to serve thousands of residents annually across the Northwest Indiana region. Site preparation will begin later this month, with an official groundbreaking ceremony scheduled for April 2025.  

For more information and updates, visit https://crymca.org/ymcatolleston .

Click here to watch the meeting.

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Media Contact:

Erika Blackwell, Chief Communications Officer  

Eblackwell@gary.gov

(219) 806-6489

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