Bonacic, center, talks with Y officials at the site

ROCK HILL – The relatively new Sullivan County YMCA program, a part of the Middletown YMCA, will develop its own facilities.

That has been jumpstarted by a $500,000 state grant from Senator John Bonacic and a commitment of 12 acres from RH Land Development, LLC, where the facility will be located.

The announcements were made onsite on Glen Wild Road in Rock Hill Thursday morning.

“The YMCA is a worthwhile organization that provides countless opportunities for children and families in our communities,” said Bonacic. The Y is currently offering youth, adult and family programs at Monticello High School and a seven-week day camp is being held for Town of Thompson children.

“The YMCA is the poor man’s or poor ladies’ country club,” Bonacic said. “It’s about a place where families can go and get the kids off the street, get them away from violence, get them away from gangs, get them away from drugs. We need youth facilities in the rural areas.”

Additional funding is being sought from other sources including from US Senator Charles Schumer, who has been asked to secure money for a swimming pool. YMCA officials are also taking with Thompson town officials about building multi-use parks on the property.

Bonacic called the Y project “one of the many worthwhile investments the state is making in Sullivan County. Coupled with the project at the Concord, this is a clear sign that the state sees some great potential in Sullivan County.”

“The YMCA is the largest provider of child care in the country,” said Randy Grant, executive director of the Y. “Programs like camping, sports, water safety, wellness, teen and senior programs are programs intended to raise the quality of life for all.”

Linda Cellini, the Y’s development director, said the project to launch a Sullivan County Y began 20 years ago when she was asked by the late Walter Rhulen to join a committee for that purpose. “I am pleased and excited to see the support and continued progress as we move forward to bring this dream to reality.”