Continuously serving Kosciusko County since 1854
Kosciusko Community YMCA announced a major lobby renovation at the Parkview Warsaw YMCA that will bring to life a vibrant new play café.
This updated space will feature a full-service coffee shop, private rentable workspaces, inviting seating areas and a creative play area designed for young children, according to a news release from the YMCA.
Construction is set to begin this summer, with completion anticipated by the end of the year.
The remodel is made possible through a community collaboration, including 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, alongside contributions from the city of Warsaw’s American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) allocation.
“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 coming to the lobby include:
• A full-service coffee shop and café
• Comfortable seating areas for socializing or relaxing
• Private rentable workspaces for remote work, study or meetings
• A play area for children ages 0-3 years, featuring:
- 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, the news release states. 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 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 block based options, the release states.
“This is more than a renovation; it’s a reinvestment in families,” said Rob Parker, president and 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, visit www.kcymca.org or contact the YMCA Welcome Center at 574-269-9622.
