WARSAW — The Kosciusko Community YMCA has announced that a major lobby renovation at the Parkview Warsaw YMCA will begin this summer.

The project will bring to life a vibrant new Play Café — an updated space that will feature a full-service coffee shop, private rentable workspaces, inviting seating areas, and a creative play area designed for young children.

Construction is set to begin this summer and completion is anticipated by the end of
the year.

The remodel is made possible through a unique community collaboration that includes
support from LaunchPad, the early learning coalition of the Kosciusko Chamber of
Commerce, and funding from the Kosciusko County Community Foundation through the
Lilly Endowment.  Additional support came from the city of Warsaw’s ARPA (American
Rescue Plan Act) fund.

“This project directly supports working families in our community,” said YMCA CEO Jim
Swanson. “By creating a space where parents can work, relax, or meet while their
children are safely cared for in a stimulating environment, we’re addressing a real
need — especially for remote workers.”

New features in the lobby will include:

• A full-service coffee shop and café
• Comfortable seating areas for socializing or relaxing
• Private rentable workspaces for remote work, study, or meetings

The play area for children ages 0-3 years will feature:

• Individual and small group play spaces
• Open-ended play that promotes creativity, independence, and exploration
• Featuring clean and safe age-appropriate play spaces for young children
• Open-ended play that promotes exploration, sensory play and cognitive development
• Trained play coaches to ensure a positive and enjoyable experience for young children

The Play Café will serve families with children ages 0–3, offering short-term supervised
care while caregivers remain on-site. Whether attending a virtual meeting, making work
calls, or simply enjoying a cup of coffee, parents will have peace of mind knowing their children are nearby in a safe and enriching space.

Unlike the YMCA’s traditional Child Watch offered to those with family memberships, the Play Café will provide more structured play and early learning opportunities designed to support creativity, exploration, and development.

This innovative remodel repurposes existing lobby space, including the area formerly
occupied by Parkview Health services, to create an amenity that serves YMCA
members and non-members alike.

Modest fees will apply for workspace and childcare access, with flexible hourly or hours-based options.

“This is more than a renovation; it’s a reinvestment in families,” said Rob Parker,
President & CEO of the Kosciusko Chamber of Commerce. “We’re thrilled to see ARPA
funds put to work in a way that supports both early learning and the modern needs of
working parents.”

For more information about the project or upcoming membership updates, click here or contact the YMCA Welcome Center at (574) 269-9622.

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