Concluding a year and a half of renovation and expansion, the Ellicott City Y planned to unveil its new facility at a ribbon-cutting ceremony Wednesday.

The $11 million renovation project more than doubled the size of the Ellicott City recreation center, making it the largest Y in Central Maryland, according to staff.

The facility includes recreation and therapy pools, a two-story climbing wall, senior and teen centers, community meeting space and two gymnasiums.

The center has been renamed the Dancel Family Center Y after primary donor Bernie Dancel, a Howard County resident and founder of the Columbia Ravens youth sports organization.

Sarah Milstein of the Y of Central Maryland described Dancel’s ideas for the Columbia Ravens organization and the Y’s mission as “completely compatible” in promoting youth sports, health, wellness and education.

Milstein added that the center, located at 4331 Montgomery Road, “resembles nothing of what it used to be” as it has grown from 24,000 square feet to 60,000 square feet.

“This creates an opportunity to reach more people,” she said. “It’s a center point for community gathering and can more effectively serve our charitable mission.”

Although the Y remained open throughout the construction, this week’s ceremony marked the building’s completion and emphasized the partnership between the Columbia Ravens and the Y.

“The Y was in need of a youth basketball program, and the Columbia Ravens needed a great facility to call home,” Dancel said. “The partnership will elevate youth basketball in the county, and in the process it will help build strong children and strong families. You couldn’t ask for a better match for Howard County’s youth and community.”

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