135 & BEYOND

135 & Beyond: Shaping the future of our Y's

135 & Beyond is the YMCA of Northern Rock County’s community-guided plan to modernize facilities, strengthen programs, and expand access as the Y approaches its 135th anniversary in 2026. Along with engagement, the initiative includes a plan for financial sustainability that aligns capital investments, operating costs, and funding so improvements can be maintained over time.

With community listening completed in September 2025, the Y is moving into concept development and feasibility planning for the Downtown Janesville YMCA and the Parker YMCA in Milton.

What we heard:

  • Accessibility and ADA upgrades
  • Child care and family-friendly scheduling
  • Community food and nutrition programming
  • Flexible youth spaces
  • Improved usability of indoor-outdoor spaces
  • Inclusive services that support mental health and neurodiversity
  • Modern aquatics
  • Senior wellness

135 & Beyond will honor our rich legacy while preparing for a future of expanded impact and innovation at our Janesville YMCA and Parker YMCA in Milton.

Community Listening Summary

The Y will continue engagement through the 135 Community Team and share updates as planning advances toward 2026 and beyond.

Join the 135 Community Team

As we transition into a deeper planning phase that incorporates broad community input, strategic feasibility work, and the creation of a community advisory group. Our 135 Community Team will support engagement, awareness, fundraising, and the alignment of new YMCA priorities as we prepare for our 135th anniversary in 2026.

Joining the 135 Community Team is simple, flexible, and based on what works for you. There’s no set time commitment, just opportunities to stay connected and get involved in ways that fit your life.

Your role might be as easy as:

  • Sharing updates on your social media or within your business or community groups
  • Attending special 135 activities with family or friends
  • Helping spread the word about YMCA milestones and opportunities
  • Volunteering time when it aligns with your interests, like supporting events or fundraisers

You choose your level of involvement, whether it’s sharing posts with a few clicks online, attending a fun event with your family or friends, or pitching in behind the scenes. 

Interested? Let us know on the feedback form! Or contact Johanna Adams at [email protected] or 608-754-9622 ext. 1107.

Project Planning & Community Listening

Phase 1: Targeted In-Person Listening (Spring 2025)
Engaged YMCA members, staff, past board leaders, and key partners across multiple sessions hosted at both campuses. These sessions were used to present initial data findings, explore strategic opportunities, and gather qualitative insights from our most connected stakeholders.

May Report
June Report

Phase 2: Community Listening & Survey (Summer 2025)
This public-facing digital outreach invites the broader community to watch a short video recap and complete an online feedback form. This ensures a greater opportunity for diverse voices to shape the Y’s future, even if they didn’t attend an in-person session.

Phase 3: Strategic Planning & 135 Community Team Activation (Summer/Fall 2025)

This next phase will synthesize member, partner, and public input, prioritize possibilities, and activate the 135 Community Team to help advance shared priorities. Y leaders, with input from the Board and its committee groups, will work transparently to define key investments, project feasibility, and outline next steps for 2026 and beyond.

135 & Beyond Project Highlights:

Our Vision

The 135 project will align with five key priorities that support the overall Y mission:

Implement significant building changes at the Janesville & Milton campuses and green spaces.

Deploy and diversify revenue to secure sustainable programming.

Expand program offerings and improve accessibility for families of all ages and abilities on both campuses, including enhanced childcare and activity offerings.

Our renewed focus on physical, mental, and spiritual health means better support for every community member.

Foster community through purpose-driven staffing, membership and leadership.

2025-2026 Strategic Plan
"As we approach our 135th year, the board has been able to reflect on the decades spent serving neighbors and families throughout the region in such meaningful ways,” said Josh Pearson, Board President. “And now, with changes on the horizon, we invite everyone to help shape a vision that honors our heritage and ensures our Y locations continue to grow into vibrant gathering places.”
Josh Pearson
YMCA Board President

Josh Pearson, Board President

JP Cullen, VP Pre-Construction & Estimating

Jim Tibbetts, Vice President

Angus-Young, Senior Project Manager

Larry Barton, Secretary

Retired, Attorney

Oakleigh Ryan

Whiton House, Principal

Interested in joining this committee? Please contact Angie Bolson at [email protected]. 

This page will be updated regularly with new developments. (Last updated July 18, 2025.)