The YMCA of Rock River Valley and Harlem Community Center (HCC) officially announced their merger, marking a new chapter for community services in Machesney Park and Loves Park. During a ribbon-cutting ceremony on October 22, 2026, the organizations unveiled new facility names for key community partners, along with plans to expand programming and services.
The merger builds on a management partnership that began in February 2026 and brings together two organizations with a shared commitment to strengthening families and creating opportunities for people of all ages. The transition preserves HCC’s nearly 70-year history while providing additional resources, expanded services, and a stronger foundation for long-term sustainability.
“Harlem Community Center has been part of this community since 1957, and its legacy means a great deal to generations of families,” said Jason Blume, board chair of Harlem Community Center. “We knew that to continue meeting the growing needs of our community, we needed a strong partner. We found that partner in the YMCA of Rock River Valley. The heart of Harlem Community Center is not going away. Our programs, relationships, and legacy will continue, now with an even stronger foundation for the future.”
The merger also fulfills a longstanding goal of having a YMCA presence in Machesney Park.
“We recognized the need for more opportunities in youth sports, childcare, wellness, and community connection, and we knew the right partnership could help make that vision a reality,” said Brent Pentenburg, CEO, YMCA of Rock River Valley. “This is more than a new name, it’s a commitment to the people of this community. With the support of our partners, we are preserving what makes Harlem Community Center special.”
Three community partners have committed a combined $3.5 million to support the merger and future expansion. The partners include the Village of Machesney Park, Hennig, and Field.
“The Village has worked for years to bring a YMCA to Machesney Park, and today that vision is becoming a reality,” said Mayor Steve Johnson, Village of Machesney Park. “This partnership honors Harlem Community Center’s legacy while creating new opportunities. It’s a tremendous benefit for our residents, and we look forward to seeing all that happens here in the years ahead.”
As part of the announcement, the organizations unveiled the facility’s new identity and recognized the partners whose investments will help shape its future:
Field House YMCA – The new name for the overall facility, representing a place for children to learn, athletes to compete, families to connect, and community members to pursue healthier lives.
Hennig Activity Center – The new name for the gymnasium inside Field House YMCA.
YMCA Hennig Fields – The new name for the baseball and softball diamonds, located at 9350 Forest Hills Road in Loves Park.
YMCA Hand-n-Hand Childcare Center and YMCA Heart of the Parks – The early childhood learning programs will retain their familiar names as part of the YMCA.
Together, these names recognize the community partners who have invested in the future of the facility and the families it serves.
“Field and the Derry family have always believed that investing in a community means investing in its people,” said Diane Quinn, Derry Family Foundation. “We see children learning and growing, families spending time together, and young people developing confidence. The Field House YMCA will be a place where people can build relationships, discover new opportunities, and create memories for years to come. We are proud to help make that future possible.”
Hennig also expressed its commitment to investing in opportunities for local youth and families.
“Machesney Park is our home. It’s where our business is located and where our people are raising their families,” said Kaleb Mertz, Hennig Owner and Goellner Family Charitable Fund Committee Member. “We believe what we’ve been given is meant to be shared. We are especially excited to support youth sports and the lessons they teach young people. We are proud to have our name associated with the fields and activity center, but more importantly, we’re proud to invest in the people who will use them.”
Beginning January 4, Field House YMCA will introduce group fitness classes and expanded wellness programming, along with additional recreational opportunities, including pickleball.
“Our priority is to make this transition seamless for the families who depend on these programs while building new opportunities that meet the needs of our community,” said Melissa Burns, Vice President of Operations, YMCA of Rock River Valley. “The early childhood programs, youth sports, camps, after-school care and active older adult programs will continue. We’re also excited to begin introducing new YMCA fitness and recreational offerings, with a vision of making this a full-service YMCA membership location.”
