New Rochelle YMCA Pool Re-Opening Pushed To December

NEW ROCHELLE, N.Y. – Construction is nearing completion as New Rochelle officials get set for the rapidly approaching grand re-opening of the local YMCA pool facility.

Some of the elected officials that helped save the YMCA pool.
Photo Credit: *New Rochelle YMCA*

Steel and roof work is nearing completion at the New Rochelle YMCA pool.
Photo Credit: *New Rochelle YMCA*

The interior of the New Rochelle YMCA has also gotten a facelift.
Photo Credit: *New Rochelle YMCA*

The new roof of the New Rochelle YMCA pool.
Photo Credit: *New Rochelle YMCA*

The new HVAC unit being craned into the New Rochelle YMCA pool.
Photo Credit: *New Rochelle YMCA*

The new New Rochelle HVAC unit for the pool.
Photo Credit: *New Rochelle YMCA*

The drop ceiling has been removed from the pool at the New Rochelle YMCA.
Photo Credit: *New Rochelle YMCA*

Zak Failla

12/18/2015 5:00 a.m.

It’s been slow but steady at the New Rochelle YMCA, as renovations and construction continues on the local pool, which was in danger of being shut down earlier this year.

The very existence of the New Rochelle YMCA, which has been a staple of the community for more than three decades, was put in danger when contractors discovered damage to the ceiling and support beams while removing a drop roof over the pool, which is no longer permitted due to the moisture that can, and did build up.

As a result, YMCA and local officials kicked off the $1.3 million “Be a Lifesaver” campaign to raise the money needed to secure the necessary bank loans. After several fundraising events that raised hundreds of thousands of dollars, Assembly members Amy Paulin and Steve Otis each secured $500,000 in grant funds to cover the rest of the costs last month.

Minor exterior work at the pool continues, and new steel girders have been installed at the pool as steel and roof repairs near their completion. The pool was initially scheduled to be opened as soon as this week, but the installation and welding has taken more time than anticipated. Officials are now eyeing an opening within the next few weeks with swimming season approaching.

Due to its status as an independent YMCA, the New Rochelle branch does not receive support from the larger, national YMCA organization. This distinction forced New Rochelle YMCA Chief Executive Officer Julie Gallanty and local leaders to reach out to the community for assistance. As one of the chief sources of revenue for the organization, if the pool was forced to shutter its doors for an extended period of time, the entire location may have been shut down.

“This fundraiser was the most critical in the Y’s 30-year-history,” Gallanty said. “Unfortunately, the reality is, if we didn’t raise these funds, our pool would have to close for good, and since it is a major source of funding for us, we would have to close our doors to the community entirely.”

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