The Springfield YMCA named the Downtown YMCA Gymnasium in honor of Illinois State Senator Doris Turner at a dedication ceremony and ribbon-cutting on Wednesday, September 4th at the Springfield Downtown. The Y gym was named the "Doris Turner Gymnasium" in recognition of her longtime support of the Y and her efforts in securing funding for the construction of the YMCA building in 2020.
"Senator Turner has been a strong advocate for children and underserved people in our community. Her support of our Y has been key to helping us serve kids and the less fortunate with our programs and new building,” said Angie Sowle, CEO of the Springfield YMCA. "It takes community and government partners working together with the dedication and concern Senator Turner demonstrates to make a difference in the lives of our children," she added.
"As a lifelong Springfield resident, this is a tremendous honor to have the Downtown YMCA Gymnasium named after me," said State Senator Doris Turner (D-Springfield). "This is full circle for me as I’ve seen my kids and grandkids grow up in a YMCA gym. I hope it will serve as a safe place for children and families to enjoy for years to come."
The Downtown YMCA was completed in November of 2020 and currently serves more than 600 members every day.