The IMAGINE Campaign began in 2007 with a grass-roots group of citizens who joined together to raise funds necessary to build a new health and wellness center and renovate the existing Family YMCA. The first major contributions came from the Crary and Sproule families with a donation of 44 acres of land and from Choice Financial, which signed a $2.75 million naming sponsor agreement. Many private citizens and businesses followed, offering support through financial gifts and pledges, including a $6.5 million investment by Altru Health System, who re-named the existing downtown YMCA as Altru Family YMCA and named the park surrounding Choice Health & Fitness as Altru Wellness Village. Through the great vision and generosity of donors and business sponsors, we are here today, sharing this historic project and giving individuals and businesses the option for access to exceptional health and fitness facilities.

October 2009 marked the beginning of a unique partnership between the Grand Forks Park District’s Center Court Fitness Club and Altru Family YMCA. The partnership provides two facilities for one low cost. Members benefit from shared programs and services. Both facilities retain separate ownership for each facility. To date, we have found nothing quite like this partnership within the United States. We believe the Greater Grand Forks community will receive optimal health and wellness benefits through more efficient use of our combined knowledge, expertise, resources and strengths.