MetroWest YMCA Breaks Ground on Regional Early Learning Center in Ashland

ASHLAND, Mass. — The MetroWest YMCA officially broke ground Friday on the first phase of the future Team Hoyt Community YMCA, marking a major milestone in a regional project aimed at expanding access to early education and creating a more inclusive community across MetroWest.

More than 75 supporters, elected officials, community leaders, donors, and members of the Hoyt family gathered at the future YMCA site on Memorial Drive to celebrate the start of construction on a new Regional Early Learning Center. The center is expected to serve more than 100 children and families beginning in September 2027.

The Early Learning Center represents the first major construction phase of the Team Hoyt Community YMCA, a project that honors the legacy of Dick, Rick, and Judy Hoyt and their enduring “Yes You Can!” message while addressing the growing need for affordable, accessible early education and care throughout the region.

“Today’s groundbreaking represents much more than the start of construction,” said MetroWest YMCA President and CEO Rick MacPherson. “It is the beginning of a new chapter for children, families, and communities across MetroWest.”

The future Team Hoyt Community YMCA is named in honor of the late Dick, Rick, and Judy Hoyt, whose determination, perseverance, and commitment to inclusion inspired millions around the world. The 12.5-acre campus, located along the Boston Marathon route in Ashland, is intended to carry forward the Hoyt family’s belief that everyone deserves the opportunity to participate, belong, and achieve their full potential.

“Everyone deserves a place to achieve their potential alongside others doing the same,” said Russ Hoyt. “My parents, Dick and Judy Hoyt, and my brother Rick believed deeply that everyone deserves the opportunity to participate, belong, and achieve their full potential. Seeing construction begin on this future Team Hoyt Community YMCA is an inspiring milestone for our family, and we are excited about the impact this community pillar will have on people of all abilities for generations to come.”

Friday’s ceremony also highlighted the public and private partnerships that helped bring the project to fruition, including a previously announced $5 million federal Congressionally Directed Spending award for the Regional Early Learning Center. The federal funding, combined with support from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, the Town of Ashland, and corporate, foundation, and individual donors, made Phase 1 possible.

“Children are 20% of our population, but they are 100% of our future,” said Senator Edward J. Markey. “That’s why I'm proud to have secured $5 million in federal funding for the MetroWest YMCA’s Early Learning Center, because every dollar we invest in education pays dividends for generations to come. At a moment when families across Massachusetts need greater access to affordable, high-quality childcare and early education, I am grateful to have partnered with Senator Warren, Congressman McGovern, and our state and local partners to make this center a reality and create opportunities for children throughout MetroWest to learn, grow, and thrive.”

“Every child deserves access to high-quality early childhood education and the opportunity to reach their full potential,” said Rep. Jim McGovern. “I’m proud we secured $5 million in federal funding for the MetroWest YMCA’s Regional Early Learning Center, which will expand access to early learning, support working families, and give more children the foundation they need to thrive. By investing in our kids today, we are building stronger communities and a brighter future for generations to come. It is especially meaningful that this center honors Team Hoyt, whose story continues to inspire people across Massachusetts and beyond, serving as a powerful reminder of the importance of opportunity, inclusion, and community.”

“When every child has access to high-quality early education, and every family has the opportunity to thrive in a community that supports their success, we grow stronger as a Commonwealth," said Massachusetts Senate President Karen Spilka. “This groundbreaking represents a significant investment in the future of MetroWest—creating opportunities for children, supporting working families, and advancing a vision of inclusion that reflects the very best of Massachusetts.”

The groundbreaking culminates years of planning, fundraising, advocacy, and relationship-building by MetroWest YMCA leadership, volunteers, community supporters, and philanthropic partners. The future Team Hoyt Community YMCA is designed to serve Ashland, Framingham, Hopkinton, Holliston, and Sherborn.

“As the need for affordable, accessible early education continues to grow, this Early Learning Center will help provide families with the strong foundation they need while advancing our vision for the future Team Hoyt Community YMCA,” MacPherson said. “We are grateful to the many supporters, elected leaders, community partners, and donors whose belief in this project helped bring us to this moment. Our work creating a more connected community is just beginning.”