PENN YAN--The Yates Community Center (YCC) expansion continues to gain momentum, with visible structural progress now rising on site.
Since August, major groundwork has been completed, including tree clearing, pond relocation, and site preparation. Utility lines were relocated and crews worked through winter conditions to install foundation footers, which were completed in mid-March. Now, the pre-engineered metal building framework is rising, marking the first vertical phase of construction, transforming the project from a vision to reality.
This milestone reflects a vision that began in 2002, when a group of Yates County leaders, including Don and Corrie Stork, first imagined a dedicated community center that would house and facilitate all sorts of activities and allow community members to access resources and build connections. Today their son, Steve, serves as a member of the YCC fundraising board, continuing that legacy through his ongoing support and involvement in the expansion.
Regional leaders emphasize that the impact extends beyond recreation. Steve Griffin, CEO of the Finger Lakes Economic Development Center, has highlighted the importance of spaces like the YCC in attracting and retaining young families, noting that access to recreation, education, and community activity is essential to long-term economic vitality.
That perspective is echoed within the local business community. Maressa Merwarth, co-owner of Hermann J. Wiemer Vineyard and an executive board member of the YCC, remains actively involved because of her belief that economic growth in Yates County is closely tied to the intangible features of a community. Opportunities for social connection, education, and wellness are key factors that influence where people choose to live and raise families, and the YCC is positioned to strengthen those elements for the region.
As the vision becomes more tangible, that sense of impact is translating into growing excitement across the community.
“It is hard to not feel excited,” said Jamie Mozzone, director of development, noting that “everywhere I go, people share their hopes for the Community Center expansion.”
The 35,000-square-foot facility remains on track for a projected completion in December 2026.
While the structure takes shape, the YCC continues to raise funds for key interior elements, including flooring and acoustic paneling.
As part of these efforts, the YCC will host its annual Spring Soirée fundraiser on May 28 from 5 to 8 p.m. at Chubb Hollow Event Center. The evening will celebrate local partnerships, featuring catering by Chef Ben Comstock of True Roots Catering, wine pairings from Keuka Spring Winery, and truffles from Keuka Candy Emporium. Tickets are available at: https://tinyurl.com/YCCSoiree.
Since August, major groundwork has been completed, including tree clearing, pond relocation, and site preparation. Utility lines were relocated and crews worked through winter conditions to install foundation footers, which were completed in mid-March. Now, the pre-engineered metal building framework is rising, marking the first vertical phase of construction, transforming the project from a vision to reality.
This milestone reflects a vision that began in 2002, when a group of Yates County leaders, including Don and Corrie Stork, first imagined a dedicated community center that would house and facilitate all sorts of activities and allow community members to access resources and build connections. Today their son, Steve, serves as a member of the YCC fundraising board, continuing that legacy through his ongoing support and involvement in the expansion.
Regional leaders emphasize that the impact extends beyond recreation. Steve Griffin, CEO of the Finger Lakes Economic Development Center, has highlighted the importance of spaces like the YCC in attracting and retaining young families, noting that access to recreation, education, and community activity is essential to long-term economic vitality.
That perspective is echoed within the local business community. Maressa Merwarth, co-owner of Hermann J. Wiemer Vineyard and an executive board member of the YCC, remains actively involved because of her belief that economic growth in Yates County is closely tied to the intangible features of a community. Opportunities for social connection, education, and wellness are key factors that influence where people choose to live and raise families, and the YCC is positioned to strengthen those elements for the region.
As the vision becomes more tangible, that sense of impact is translating into growing excitement across the community.
“It is hard to not feel excited,” said Jamie Mozzone, director of development, noting that “everywhere I go, people share their hopes for the Community Center expansion.”
The 35,000-square-foot facility remains on track for a projected completion in December 2026.
While the structure takes shape, the YCC continues to raise funds for key interior elements, including flooring and acoustic paneling.
As part of these efforts, the YCC will host its annual Spring Soirée fundraiser on May 28 from 5 to 8 p.m. at Chubb Hollow Event Center. The evening will celebrate local partnerships, featuring catering by Chef Ben Comstock of True Roots Catering, wine pairings from Keuka Spring Winery, and truffles from Keuka Candy Emporium. Tickets are available at: https://tinyurl.com/YCCSoiree.
