As spring turns to summer, here at the Y, it’s an exciting season of transformation for our childcare expansion campaign as well.
If you’ve visited the Bath Y recently, you’ve probably seen the incredible progress that is being made in the construction of the future Haggett Family Early Learning Center.
Outside, crews have spent the last week laying down new pavement, sidewalks, and landscaping to accommodate the nearly 60 new parking spaces that will come with this new building. Inside, drywall is going up, classrooms are taking shape, and crews are starting the process of connecting the new building to our existing facility.
We are thrilled to share that we remain on track for an end-of-August opening! The vision for this expansion is truly coming to life, and we cannot wait to welcome the children of our enrichment program into this beautiful new space.
The opening of the new early learning center also presents an exciting opportunity to transform the existing four classrooms in our Y. After engaging in a months-long, multi-step feedback process with members, Y staff, and board members this winter and spring, we’re excited to share our plans for the future of these spaces:
A NEW GROUP EXERCISE STUDIO
One of the most common areas of feedback that we heard from members was the need for more fitness spaces in our building. We’re excited to transform classroom four (at the far end of the building) into a second group exercise studio. The spin bikes from the second floor will also move into this studio space. A second dedicated exercise space will allow us to add more classes to meet member needs and move fitness classes currently in the gymnasium, freeing up gym space for more activities for members.
A NEW FLEXIBLE, MULTI-PURPOSE SPACE
Our YMCA is fortunate to be the center of so many important programs and activities for our community – from our Veggie Van food program to monthly potlucks and gatherings for active older adults to community classes like our CPR and First Aid training. We’re excited to share that classrooms two and three (located in the middle area) will become a vibrant new multipurpose space that can adapt to a wide variety of programs, community meetings, special events, and rentals.
A NEW HOME FOR THE HUB COMMUNITY ROOM
In the final classroom closest to our lobby, we’re excited to relocate our HUB community room. Our vision for the HUB has always been to create a welcoming space that members of all ages can use for a variety of activities. Moving the HUB closer to the lobby will greatly increase visibility and accessibility while continuing to be a gathering space for members to connect, play, relax, and build community.
A NEW FUNCTIONAL MOVEMENT STUDIO
We’re also excited to share plans to transform the existing HUB community room into a new Functional Movement Studio designed to expand the variety of fitness opportunities available for members of all ages and abilities. This new studio space will provide a place for Y personal trainers to work with clients and create more options for how members choose to move, train, and stay healthy in our Y.
We anticipate work will begin on renovations to these spaces in the fall, after our childcare program has fully transitioned to the new early learning center. Thank you to everyone who took the time to share feedback and ideas throughout this process. While we could not accommodate every suggestion, the final plans reflect the needs that will have the greatest impact across our membership and community.
The excitement is building and, as construction continues, so does our work toward completing our Capital Campaign goal. We are currently just $180,000 away from reaching our goal of $7.9 million – 98% of the way! Every gift helps bring these exciting new spaces and opportunities to life for our members and community. If you are able, please consider making a donation to help us cross the finish line and complete this transformational project together.
This is such an exciting and transformative time for our Y, and we cannot wait to share these incredible new spaces with all of you very soon!
Amy
Amy Vendt
Chief Executive Officer
Bath Area Family YMCA