The Y Celebrates New Playground at Camp Duncan with a Special Dedication Ceremony

The generosity of the Foglia Family Foundation, led by Vince Foglia, was celebrated today at a special ribbon-cutting ceremony to mark the opening of a brand new playground at YMCA Camp Duncan. Senior leaders from the YMCA of Metro Chicago, Camp Duncan, and students attending the camp’s Remote Learning Support program joined members of the Foglia Family in a socially-distanced outdoor celebration to mark the completion of Pat’s Playground, named after the matriarch of the family.  

The Foglia’s notable support of the Y knows no bounds. Over the years, Mr. Foglia and his family have provided leadership gifts to support various sites and programs across the Association, including the construction of the Sage YMCA and the Foglia YMCA. Vince’s support to build Pat’s Playground is the latest example of the local philanthropist’s absolute dedication to local families. He passionately supports the crucial role of community-based organizations such as the YMCA in helping to build strong youth, families, and communities.

The idea to construct a new playground for the enjoyment of hundreds of children who build bonds and make lifelong memories at Camp Duncan every year came from Vince himself. During a visit last summer, Vince noticed that the former playground was in need of an “update”. He swiftly offered to fund the project and by doing so set the project’s wheels in motion. The goal? To build a playground that would provide our campers with an even more engaging and empowering camping experience.

Camp Duncan has provided safe, quality, overnight camping adventures for boys and girls ages 7-15, and Teen Adventure Camps for teens aged 15-17 for almost 100 years. Located on Fish Lake in northern Illinois, it spans 300 acres of picturesque landscape featuring woodlands, open fields, rolling hills, and nature trails. It shares its grounds with another popular YMCA camp, Camp Independence, which serves campers with spina bifida and other neurological disabilities. Like many Y programs, Camp Independence focuses on learning skills, developing character, and making friends.

Pat’s Playground will be enjoyed by campers at both Camp Duncan and Camp Independence for many years to come.