Time for a growth
spurt at the YMCA

By Tom Waring
Times Staff Writer

The plans have not been finalized and the money has not been secured, but the Northeast Family YMCA is embarking on a major expansion.
The $7 million project is expected to include a second indoor pool and a new gymnasium.
"We’re really in the beginning stage," said Paula Green, executive director for the last four years. "But we’re excited, and we think members will be excited about it."
The Northeast Family YMCA is located at 11088 Knights Road. The building consists of 26,000 square feet of space, with Green explaining that the ideal YMCA is about 35,000 to 40,000 square feet.
John Flynn, the new CEO of the YMCA of Philadelphia & Vicinity, has given his blessing to the project.
The local YMCA facility, which opened in 1962, packs plenty of activities into its existing building.
There’s a gymnasium that is home to a senior citizen group and the site for basketball, volleyball, soccer and hockey games, gymnastics, fitness classes and camp activities.
The fitness center features brand new equipment, and there’s a free babysitting service for members while they work out.
Tiia Reinvald teaches English As a Second Language classes to adult members of the community.
The child-care program operates from 6:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. and is so popular that there is a waiting list.
Some 130 youths attend a summer camp and have free run of the large rear yard, which includes a pavilion, soccer fields, a barbecue and picnic tables.
Then there’s the six-lane, 25-yard indoor pool that Green calls "the best-kept secret in the Northeast."
And, for 40-some years, the outdoor swimming pool has cooled off members in June, July and August.
All of the offerings resulted in a nearly 20-percent increase in memberships in the last year. The non-profit agency offers discounts on memberships and programs to families earning under $60,000.
"We keep growing and growing," said Dan Calhoun, senior director for marketing and membership.
However, the YMCA is a bit land-locked as it seeks to expand. Something has to give.
That something is the outdoor pool. It would cost $500,000 to fix the filter and concrete. Citing the safety issue and the cost to repair a pool used only in the summer months, the YMCA will not open the pool this June.
Many members use the more modern indoor pool, which opened in 1999, even in summer months.
"It’s outlived its feasibility," said Green, adding that members can use an outdoor pool in Hatboro.
At present, the YMCA is working with architects on a final design. The administration is hoping for state money from Pennsylvania House Speaker Dennis O’Brien and will try to match those dollars in a private fund-raising drive.
Green, who began her 22-year career with the YMCA as a volunteer, is confident that members will like the new-look facility, which could double in size.
There will be additional gym space for child-care activities and fitness classes in studio settings. The fitness center could double from 2,000 to 4,000 square feet. And the nursery school might be able to move from its satellite location at Faith Lutheran Church.
"We’ll be able to serve more people and do more programming," Green said.
The centerpiece of the project will be an extension of the indoor pool to include a new pool, whirlpool, sauna, sprinklers and slides to create a water park atmosphere. Everything will be on one floor and will be handicapped-accessible, with an emphasis on safety.
"Our largest population is families," Green said. "It’ll be a time for families to be together."
The year 2008 is shaping up as a big one for the YMCA. It started on Jan. 1, when the center opened its doors for the first time on New Year’s Day. A big crowd turned out for the start of A Happy New You campaign.
On Thursday, Feb. 7, Speaker O’Brien will help kick off the yearlong Strong Kids Campaign to raise money to help families afford membership fees.
On Tuesday, Feb. 19, the Greater Northeast Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce will host a breakfast at the site. The guest speaker will be Pete Hoskins, a YMCA senior vice president for financial development. He’s a former head of the Philadelphia Zoo, executive director of the Fairmount Park Commission and commissioner of the Department of Streets.
The Northeast YMCA’s annual Healthy Kids Day is set for Saturday, April 12, with the community welcome to attend.
And, the YMCA will present water-safety classes in the community and on site from April 14-19 as part of Y Splash. ••
Reporter Tom Waring can be reached at 215-354-3034 or twaring@phillynews.com