Monica Berlin 
(CLAIR | Simi Valley, CA) — The Simi Valley Family YMCA formally broke ground on its first major expansion in over four decades.
More than 150 residents, donors, volunteers, and civic leaders gathered as the Southeast Ventura County YMCA opened the public phase of its $7.5 million Community Giving Campaign. The groundbreaking signaled that planning was over and execution had begun.
The morning started with pancakes served by the Y’s Men, then moved quickly to the main event. Santa Susana High School students performed. Donors were recognized. Local officials spoke. And then came the ceremonial shovels.
“For more than 40 years, this YMCA has served Simi Valley,” said Kris Turner, executive director of the Simi Valley Family YMCA. He said the groundbreaking marked a response to demand the existing facility could no longer handle.
The project calls for a full-size gymnasium, expanded aquatic space, a larger fitness center, multipurpose rooms, an indoor-outdoor Kids’ Zone, and individual family locker rooms. The goal is capacity, not a total redesign.
Since opening in 1984, the YMCA building had remained largely unchanged while Simi Valley grew to roughly 125,000 residents. Program demand steadily increased as schedules filled and space tightened.
A 2022 market study reinforced the gap. Simi Valley lacked a centrally located, all-ages community facility. The YMCA emerged as the organization positioned to fill this need.
“This expansion is about meeting real demand,” said Ronnie Stone, CEO of the Southeast Ventura County YMCA. He said the groundbreaking represented readiness to serve more families.
Remarks during the program came from Jacqui Irwin, Janice Parvin, and Dee Dee Cavanaugh, each pointing to the YMCA’s role in youth development, health access, and civic life.
Moorpark High School student Connor Lucente spoke about his experience in the YMCA’s Youth & Government program. The ceremony also featured performances by the Santa Susana High School Advanced A Cappella Group and a closing song written by Simi Valley resident Jackie Doe for the project.
The project will cost $7.5 million in total. The YMCA provides $3 million. Private donors contribute another $2.5 million. Public and alternative sources add $2 million. Organizers say $1.7 million is already raised, leaving $800,000 still needed from private donors.
