Sept. 12 Update
Thank you for your patience as we adjust to the parking changes due to stadium construction. We want to provide some important updates and reminders:
- Your membership card gives you access. If the gates are having a technical error, scanning in and out on your app or physical card will open the gates. Please avoid using your child’s card, as the system requires a license plate registered to the correct member account.
- Parking is limited to 2.5 hours. A fee will apply if the time limit is exceeded.
- Grand Valley students: YMCA parking is not included with your student status. A GVSU parking pass is required for campus lots.
- Use the designated doors and avoid walking under gates. This helps keep everyone safe as traffic flows in and out of the ramp.
- Please do not park on Winter Avenue. Parking along this street has caused traffic challenges, and the city is actively ticketing vehicles.
- Parking Options:
- GVSU Seward Parking Ramp – Free for members with advance license plate registration (please register at least 24 hours ahead).
- Reserved Handicap and Senior Parking – Available in the lot directly next to the YMCA. Pre-registration is required at the David D. Hunting YMCA front desk.
We know this transition takes extra effort, and we appreciate your cooperation as we work to keep everyone safe and supported. If you have questions or need help registering your vehicle, our front desk team is here to assist.
Thank you for being part of our Y community.
Aug. 29 Update
At the end of the day on Thursday, Sept. 4, the current David D. Hunting YMCA parking lot will close to allow construction to begin on the site for the Amway Stadium.
While this lot will no longer be available, parking will still be provided for all members:
Member Parking: Available at the GVSU Seward Parking Ramp, free of charge. Simply register your license plate at least 24 hours in advance to park here.
Handicap and Senior Parking: Reserved spaces will be available in the lot next to the Y building. Pre-registration is required for access. Please register for this lot at the David D. Hunting YMCA front desk.
We know this is a big change, and we’re grateful for your patience and flexibility. Your experience and convenience remain our top priorities, and we will continue to share updates throughout construction.
Thank you for being part of our Y community.
Aug. 7 Update
We want to share an important update that may affect your visit to the David D. Hunting YMCA beginning next week. While this is not a Y-led project, utility work by AT&T will temporarily impact access near our facility.
Here’s what to expect:
Monday, Aug. 11 – Friday, Aug. 22 (estimated)
- The sidewalk along Lake Michigan Drive NW and the westbound lane in front of the Y will be closed.
- The center turn lane will temporarily serve as the westbound lane during this period.
- This will not impact the walk to/from our parking lot or GVSU’s Seward Parking Ramp.
Please plan and allow extra time for your commute.
Important Notes:
- Construction is expected to last two weeks, though timing may shift based on project progress.
- Pedestrian access to the Y remains open at both entrances. Please use caution and follow posted signage to ensure safe entry.
- To help ease flow, we recommend using the Seward Parking Ramp at 520 Lake Michigan Drive NW. See how easy it is to park at the Seward Parking Ramp with our step-by-step video guide.
If you haven’t yet registered your license plate for use of the ramp, we encourage you to do so by Friday, Aug. 15. This will help ensure smooth access—especially as our current lot will soon transition and the Seward Parking Ramp will become this branch’s primary source of parking. Registering now will help you avoid delays later.
We appreciate your patience and flexibility as we navigate these changes together. Thank you for helping us build a stronger, healthier community for all.
June 19 Update
On behalf of the Amway Stadium partners at Rockford Construction, we want to share important access changes beginning June 20. While this is not a Y project, it directly affects entry to our David D. Hunting YMCA and child care drop-off areas.
Friday, June 20 – Wednesday, June 25
- The drop-off and northbound lanes on Winter Avenue NW (between Lake Michigan Drive NW and our entrance) will be closed.
- Street parking is limited, but you’re welcome to use the Starbucks lot for drop-offs and pick-ups—this is approved all summer long.
- Please enter our parking lot from the south via southbound Winter Avenue NW from Bridge Street NW.
- You may exit our lot in either direction, but please use caution.
Thursday, June 26 – Thursday, July 3
- Winter Avenue NW will be fully closed south of our lot.
- All vehicles—including child care, summer camp and rideshare drop-off—must enter from the north using Winter Avenue NW from Bridge Street NW.
Friday, July 4
- Winter Avenue NW will reopen to two-way traffic.
To ease congestion, we strongly encourage use of GVSU’s Seward Parking Ramp at 520 Lake Michigan Drive NW. If you haven’t registered your vehicle yet, please do so before June 26 to ensure a smoother experience during this transition.
Pedestrian access on Winter Avenue NW to the Y will remain open.
We appreciate your patience and flexibility as we work through these temporary changes. Your continued support helps us provide a safe and welcoming environment for all.
June 3 Update
In addition to our main entrance, visitors are encouraged to use the Winter Avenue NW building entrance for more direct and convenient access to the Y.
May 29 Update
Starting Monday, June 2, you’ll see construction fencing installed near the front of the David D. Hunting YMCA as early work begins on the new Amway Stadium. While this transforms our entrance into a temporary construction zone, our doors remain open—and we’re excited to welcome you in!
To ensure your safety and keep everything running smoothly, crews will install a temporary bridge over our entrance area while they work on utilities beneath the building.
What to Expect:
- Same entrance with clear directional signage.
- Staff on-site during peak hours to guide you.
- Allow yourself extra time—sidewalks and pathways may shift.
- Frequent updates from us as things evolve.
We know all construction disruptions can be frustrating. It’s not easy and you’re not alone in that feeling. That said, this is an important step in a new chapter for our neighborhood and we’re here to make it as smooth as possible.
Parking Update:
We encourage you to register your license plate for free and easy parking at GVSU’s Seward Parking Ramp at 520 Lake Michigan Drive NW—just across from the Y.
Please Note:
The ramp will undergo resurfacing on levels 2–4 from Friday, May 30, through Sunday, June 8. Full access will be returned on Monday, June 9. In the meantime, the surface lot at 505 Fulton St. W., located just south of the ramp, will be available for that week only. Signage will be posted to assist you.
Thank you for your continued patience, flexibility and support. If you have any questions, we’ll be with you every step of the way.
Beginning Monday, May 19, Summer Avenue NW will permanently close due to stadium construction. Going forward, please use Winter Avenue NW to reach the David D. Hunting YMCA parking lot.
What is the Y’s position on the stadium?
As an organization dedicated to youth development, healthy living and social responsibility, we acknowledge the importance of thoughtful urban development and the positive impact it can have on the lives of families as well as the Y’s commitment to providing a safe and welcoming environment for our members and the community. Carefully considering these factors against a stadium’s potential impacts on the Y, its programs and the local economy at-large, on Feb. 2, 2024, our board voted unanimously in support of Grand Action 2.0’s Amway Stadium plan.
The Y’s board and senior leadership look forward to continued discussions with key stakeholders who share the goal of enhancing the overall quality of life for everyone in our community. By working together, we can find solutions that benefit both the vitality of the neighborhood and the mission of the YMCA of Greater Grand Rapids.
When is construction expected to begin? Is there an anticipated date of completion?
We anticipate stadium construction to begin April 2025. We will provide updates as they become available through a variety of channels, including our website, email and mobile app. We encourage all members to verify their email address when joining, to download the Daxko app and enable notifications to ensure they are up to date on current news, events and offers.
Where will I park when I visit the David D. Hunting YMCA?
The Y has entered into a parking agreement with Grand Valley State University (GVSU). This parking agreement will offer our members more spaces in a covered parking garage at GVSU’s Seward Parking Ramp while they are using the David D. Hunting YMCA. Since peak parking times are at different times of day for GVSU and the Y, this is a win-win for downtown.
We are collaborating with Grand Action 2.0 to develop a proposed skybridge connecting the Seward Parking Ramp to our downtown Y:
What does this mean for me?
- Convenient, weather-protected access: The skybridge would provide a covered walkway from GVSU’s Seward Parking Ramp to the Y, eliminating concerns about inclement weather.
- A long-term investment in member convenience: This project builds on our ongoing efforts to ensure a stress-free parking experience while maintaining seamless access to the David D. Hunting YMCA.
- Part of a bigger vision: As downtown Grand Rapids continues to grow, we are committed to ensuring our members benefit from improvements that make visiting the Y even better.
What are my other options to travel to the David D. Hunting YMCA?
You have several transportation options when heading to our downtown branch, including: biking, walking, carpooling and public transportation. Please visit ridetherapid.org for schedules, maps and fare information as you plan your next visit.
How will construction impact activities, events, programs and services at the David D. Hunting YMCA?
Maintaining access to the activities and amenities that matter to you is a primary focus for the Y. We are exploring scheduling solutions and program adaptations.
Can I visit other branches?
Members are always welcome to visit any of our branches! We encourage exploration of all our facilities, trying different classes and meeting fellow members. Each branch offers its own unique set of amenities and programs, ensuring there’s something for everyone. Click here for other Y branch schedules so we can help you meet your health and wellness needs during this time.
Why did you sell the parking lot?
We made the decision to sell our portion of the parking lot, recognizing that as we’ve only ever owned one-third of it, our ability to influence its future was limited. Embracing this understanding, we chose to focus on opportunities where we could have a greater impact.
Why didn't the Y alert me sooner?
It is important to us to convey accurate information in a timely manner. We understand your concern: the upcoming changes to the David D. Hunting YMCA’s footprint are significant. We’ve been diligently working to secure a solution while abiding by all legal agreements.