At the recent Central Lincoln County YMCA’s annual meeting and groundbreaking ceremony, the Sprague family was honored for their vision, determination and philanthropic leadership in creating what was once called a “Rec Center” and has since blossomed into a community YMCA. For the dedication, the newly renovated gymnasium will be named “The Janice and Neil Sprague Family Gymnasium” in tribute to them for their commitment and support to this community over the years.

As Board Chair CVO Dennis Anderson stated, “Historically, every small community in America can point to a handful of families who create and sustain institutions that form the footings on which strong communities are built. One such family in our community is likely the one you hear the least about, but their impact is immeasurable.”

Back in 1973, Neil Sprague talked to a wealthy landowner, Edward Freeman, about donating 8 acres of land for the purpose of constructing a recreation center for the youth of our community. In August 1977, Neil and Janice Sprague were instrumental in having plans drawn up for a steel Butler-style building to provide a safe, healthy, fun space for our youth. They remained involved heading up the fundraising efforts until the construction was complete. Neil, along with Bill Clark, John Curtis, Mike Petrillo, Alan Ray and Wayne Plummer, was one of the founding fathers of the Rec Center. Neil chaired the board for the first several years of existence and remained an active advocate for the Center until his failing health no longer allowed in 1990. It was that same year that the Rec Center received its full charter to become a Y.

Even after the passing of Neil, the Sprague family recognized that needs change over time, and what once was a need for a recreation center where kids could go and socialize and be safe after school, has morphed into meeting other community needs, while the gym still remains necessary and relevant to the community. The Sprague family has been a constant advocate for the Y and its mission, providing funding and leadership. Janice has been a generous financial supporter, as have her daughters, Lisa and Lurie. The sisters carry the Sprague family legacy having also served multiple stints on the board of trustees. The entire family has demonstrated constant uninterrupted support to this critical pillar of the community, from its humble origins as a rec center serving our youth to today as an organization addressing needs - from cradle to grave. Not just youth development but also in the areas of social responsibility and healthy living.

As CEO Meagan Hamblett put it: “…while we must provide a facility to pursue healthy living, that is just part of who we are. It is important for all to know that the Y is not in the business of building a better Y, we are in the business of building a better community.”

The CLC YMCA is ever grateful for all that the Sprague family has done for the Rec Center, YMCA and the community, and we look forward to the day when ”The Janice and Neil Sprague Family Gymnasium” sign will finally be hung in our gymnasium.

The CLC YMCA is a key collaborative leader improving the quality of life for all by being the champion for youth development, healthy living and social responsibility.

For more information about the Y, visit clcymca.org or call 563-9622.