Bismarck Tribune

By CRYSTAL R. RBy CRYSTAL R. REID

The Missouri Valley Family YMCA received a $250,000 donation toward its renovation and construction project, the center announced Thursday.

The gift, from Frank and Joanne Bavendick, is the largest in the Bismarck YMCA's history, said Executive Director Andy Dahl.

Dahl also announced that the new Wellness Center, part of the physical expansion of the YMCA, will be named for the donors:The Frank and Joanne Bavendick Wellness Center.

Groundbreaking for the new physical expansion is still scheduled for August.

This gift puts the YMCA at $1.1 million toward its $2 million capitol campaign goal; the total project cost, including a gym and life center addition, renovation options, parking lot and fees and life center equipment, is more than $5.59 million. The remainder of the cost will be covered by operations fees, Dahl said.

The project will add more than 27,000 square feet to the northwest side of the 120,000-square-foot facility, and allow for more wellness and children's programs, Dahl said.

A 13,500-square-foot gym will be built on the main level, while under it a similar amount of room will be provided to expand the life fitness center. Renovations also will be made to the main floor lobby, and parking lot will be built adjacent to the addition.

(Reach reporter Crystal R. Reid at 250-8261 or at crystal.reid@;bismarcktribune.com.)