The Mt. Diablo Region YMCA has secured $7.5 million toward its goal of $8.1 million to build new branch facilities in Oakley and Alamo and expand and remodel the Irvin Deutscher Family YMCA in Pleasant Hill.

Now in its final phase of fundraising, the YMCA is soliciting donations from Contra Costa County residents to raise the remaining $600,000 required to bring all three projects to fruition.

We are delighted to offer a wide array of activities that appeal to all generations in our community. From seniors participating in exercise classes and book clubs to children cooling off in our family-fun splash zone, the YMCA can benefit every family member, said Michael F. Erwin, president and CEO of the Mt. Diablo Region YMCA. We feel confident that the Contra Costa community can help us raise the remaining funds needed to construct state-of-the-art facilities for present and future generations.

Here in Oakley, the Delta Family YMCA will boast a brand-new 25,000-square-foot facility that will include an aerobics/cardiovascular and strength-training facility, cutting-edge health and fitness center, aquatics center, multi-generational technology center and community gathering place, and a demonstration/nutritional teaching kitchen. The Oakley facility will also provide onsite child care.

In a newly formed partnership, the Special Kids Foundation, Inc., a nonprofit organization dedicated to enabling special-needs children and their families to lead successful lives, has pledged $750,000 to the Delta Family YMCA to spur fundraising. The Y hopes to break ground on the project by the spring of 2009.

Special Kids, YMCA, and SMF Construction will design and build a Universal Abilities Playground at the Delta Family YMCA. This one-of-a-kind playground will incorporate play structures for children with limited physical abilities, sensory activities for children with autism and kinesthetic needs, and a multitude of specialized interactive components to engage children of all abilities in a safe, comfortable environment.

Picnic and family gathering areas will also be available for networking and making connections with other families.

To donate to the fundraising campaign, visit www.mdrymca.org.