Grand Marais Opens YMCA After Nearly 15 Years
By:
GRAND MARAIS - A new community gathering place has finally opened after years.
Plans for the Cook County Community Center in Grand Marais started back in 1999 and discussions with the city, county, school and YMCA were finally able to bring the dream to life.
It started with a one percent sales tax and eventually the key to success was partnering with the Duluth YMCA.
Leaders at the center said it is truly a community YMCA because people of all ages enjoy it.
"We have more members than the population of Grand Marais itself. So, it's been so exciting seeing how much use it's been getting and all the different ways people can come together," said branch executive director, Emily Marshall.
The building is attached to the school, making it a popular after school hot spot.
Membership is at about 1,400 and growing.