Say Hi! to Barbara Jean! Traditional Cache
waterloo.bob: Had a look around the parking lot. Seems that disaffected youth (yawn) have wreaked havoc. Once that starts it rarely ends. Barbara Jean had a good run.
-
Difficulty:
-
-
Terrain:
-
Size: 
(other)
Please note Use of geocaching.com services is subject to the terms and conditions
in our disclaimer.
A ridiculously easy find serving no purpose other than to add a smiley to your profile.
It was a long time coming.
May 1, 2005 saw Waterloo without a YMCA as the three decades old facility on Lincoln Rd. closed. Talk had already started about a Y in the west end of Waterloo.
Meanwhile the City of Waterloo had a new library branch slated for a 2007 opening.
In June 2006 the City of Waterloo unveiled a proposal for a combined library branch and YMCA facility along with 23 acres for sports fields, all on the northwest campus of the University of Waterloo. The plan also included development of 87 acres of University land.
The University would lease the land to the City of Waterloo for $1 a year. In return the City would provide $9 million worth of services such as roads, water mains and sewers to the remaining 87 acres. The capital costs of $29 million would be borne by the City with the YMCA contributing $6 million to that amount. The City of Waterloo would own the facility while leasing the Y its space for $1 a year.
The YMCA is called The Stork Family YMCA. Fred and Ruth Stork of Waterloo donated $2 million dollars to the effort.
The library is named after the late John M. Harper to commemorate his long history of community building.
The Y opened September 29, 2011. The library Oct. 22, 2011. They are both huge successes.
Interesting fact, the library has a 'green' roof.
Another interesting fact, the Origami Goose doesn't have a name other than 'Origami Goose', which while accurate isn't much of a moniker. Jyhling Lee, a former U of W architecture student, received the commission. Must have been a bear folding that metal.
Finally, long time Y Board Member and a past President, Barbara Jean Hill, was an enthusiastic supporter of the project since before there was even a project. Barb's a nice lady so I'm proposing we call Origami Goose, Barbara Jean. Say Hi! to Barbara Jean!
Additional Hints
(Decrypt)
Lbh'er xvqqvat?! Arkg guvat lbh'yy jnag zr gb svaq vg sbe lbh;-)