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PROPOSED RESOLUTION
HONORING THE IRVING PARK YMCA ON THEIR 100TH ANNIVERSARY
WHEREAS, the Irving Park YMCA was constructed in 1925 by the YMCA of Metropolitan Chicago to serve and support the spiritual, mental, social, and physical well-being of individuals and families on Chicago’s expanding Northwest Side; and
WHEREAS, the first membership campaign brought in 2,081 members in just ten days, and the Irving Park YMCA has averaged 10,000 members per year since its founding; and
WHEREAS, the Irving Park YMCA became a cultural and civic hub by welcoming international guests for the 1926 World Eucharistic Congress of the Roman Catholic Church; and
WHEREAS, it also served as a center of hospitality during the 1933-34 Century of Progress Exposition, demonstrating the YMCA community’s enduring commitment to cultural engagement; and
WHEREAS, the YMCA was home to a distinguished chorus of men and women, known for public concerts and original musical arrangements reflecting both classical traditions and popular tunes of the era; and
WHEREAS, the Irving Park YMCA earned a unique place in sports history by offering one of the National Football League’s earliest weight-training facilities. Chicago Bears players were attracted to the facility because of a program developed by Olympic Weightlifter Clyde Emrich. Famous Bears players who called the YMCA their off-season home included NFL Hall of Famers Dick Butkus, Gale Sayers, Mike Ditka, and Doug Atkins, as well as Doug Buffone, Dick Gordon, Johnny Morris, Ronnie Bull; and
WHEREAS, in recognition of this partnership the Chicago Bears and the YMCA renamed the Irving Park YMCA’s weight room “The Bears Den,” a distinction that cemented its legacy in professional athletics; and
WHEREAS, over the decades the Irving Park YMCA has enriched the lives of children and teens through summer day camps, sports programs, life-saving swimming lessons, field trips, and special events that build confidence and community; and
WHEREAS, the YMCA has empowered 3rd to 5th-grade girls through Girls on the Run, encouraging strong interpersonal relationships, healthy lifestyles, and lifelong habits of wellness; and
WHEREAS, its Junior Leader and Leader’s Clubs have provided a training ground for young people to develop civic responsibility and executive-functioning skills with the mentorship of dedicated, caring adults; and
WHEREAS, the Irving Park YMCA has supported adults and families by offering drop-in childcare that allows parents and guardians to maintain their own health and fitness while knowing their children are cared for in a safe, welcoming environment; and
WHEREAS, by offering FitStart, a personalized 12-week wellness program pairing members with coaches to help establish lasting health habits; and
WHEREAS, older adults have found friendship and vitality through SilverSneakers®, which today engages nearly 400 seniors in community-centered exercise and connection; and
WHEREAS, the YMCA has provided affordable residential accommodations for men during transitional times in their lives, offering both stability and access to supportive services that foster independence and growth; and
WHEREAS, during the COVID-19 pandemic the Irving Park YMCA once again rose to meet community needs by providing childcare for first responders and essential workers and by serving as a remote-learning site for Chicago Public Schools students; and
WHEREAS, today the Irving Park YMCA continues to help Northwest Side residents achieve their health and wellness goals through quality after-school programs, summer camps, aquatics, sports, and teen initiatives; and
WHEREAS, the organization remains steadfast in its mission to strengthen community by connecting all people to their purpose, potential, and each other, enhancing the body, mind, and spirit of all who enter its doors; and
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Cook County Board of Commissioners honors and celebrates the Irving Park YMCA’s 100 years of transformative service to the far Northwest Side of the City of Chicago; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that this resolution stands as a testament to the legacy and countless lives improved by the dedicated staff and volunteers supporting the mission of the Irving Park YMCA; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to the staff, volunteers, and advisory board of the Irving Park YMCA.
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