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On Tuesday morning, volunteers with the New Rochelle Fire Department took their trucks to the YMCA, where they filled the pool with thousands of gallons of water after it was forced to be shut down when damage was found in the roof during a routine inspection last summer.
With the water in the pool, it will once again be opened up for its regular classes this month.
In June last year, contractors discovered that there was severe damage to the overhead drop ceiling above the pool, complete with eroded support beams, forcing officials to shut down the aquatic center - one of the main sources of revenue for the YMCA.
Since work began, the roof has been completely replaced, complete with new HVAC units. The interior of the center has been overhauled, complete with new paint along the walls and in the hallway and new pool lights. In addition to the interior and roof work, contractors also did some exterior work, replacing five windows.
Due to its status as an independent YMCA, it does not receive financial support from the larger, national organization, meaning every dollar needed to be raised locally. YMCA officials quickly went to work, kicking off the $1.3 million “Be a Lifesaver Campaign” that saw Assembly members Amy Paulin and Steve Otis raising $1 million in grants to secure the bank loan to begin work.
“This fundraiser was the most critical in the Y’s 30-year-history,” New Rochelle YMCA Julie Gallanty said about ‘Be a Lifesaver.’ “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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