St. John's helps YMCA through land use

HSHS St. John’s Hospital has entered into an agreement with the YMCA of Springfield, Ill. to give the Y use of its grassy lot at the northwest corner of Union and Fourth Streets, just east of the downtown YMCA campus for activities, outreach, fundraising, overflow parking and more. St. John’s will rent the lot to the YMCA for one dollar a year. The agreement is in addition to the Y’s use of the parking lot at the former Prairie Diagnostics Center at 401 E. Carpenter Street for overflow parking. 

“Creating this additional agreement will assist the YMCA in their service to the Enos Park, medical and downtown districts,” said Matt Fry, HSHS St. John’s Hospital president and CEO. “The Y’s mission aligns with our own, and we are happy to help them in their efforts to create a healthier community for all.” 

The mission of HSHS is to reveal and embody Christ's healing love for all people through high quality Franciscan health care ministry. It’s core values of Respect, Care, Competence and Joy are lived by all who work at HSHS and felt by all who use its services.

The YMCA is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to put Christian principles into practice through programs that build healthy spirit, mind and body for all. With a focus on four core values of respect, responsibility, honesty and caring, the Y works to make our community stronger, healthier, and more connected.

“We are thankful to HSHS St. John’s for allowing us to use their grounds and parking lot. We are excited to have more space for safe play and safe parking. They share our commitment to the community, and this helps us provide an even better Y experience for more people,” said Angie Sowle, CEO of the YMCA of Springfield.

For more information about the YMCA of Springfield visit springfieldymca.org.