Pocono Family YMCA expansion will break ground by late summer

Pocono Family YMCA is about to break ground on a roughly $20 million expansion that will more than double the size of the pool and give users of the new gym a view of Main Street while working out.

Lehigh Valley Health Network is partnering with the YMCA on this project and will have a dedicated wing in the new building to offer a family medicine and rehabilitation practice.

President and CEO of the Pocono Family YMCA Scott Peckins said $17.7 million has already been raised for this project through a combination of federal funds, grants, fundraising from local foundations and local banks. He said they are trying to raise the remaining money, but they can already get started.

Peckins said the cost of this project has increased and will continue to change until the budget is finalized in the next month or two. “It’s gone up because of a few things; first, we have sludge underneath that now requires twice as much concrete, and second, construction prices have increased dramatically since we first announced the project pre-COVID. We are already estimating more than $20 million this time, but are still waiting for more prizes.”

According to Peckins, the expansion includes 80,000 square feet for LVHN, a renovation of the child care building, a larger pool and lobby and additional space for a studio and multi-purpose rooms.

“The YMCA will expand from 32,000 square feet to 49,000 square feet, with 8,000 square feet reserved for LVHN,” Peckins said.

Once demolished, the YMCA main building expansion will transition into the current Dunkin’ building and connect to the new LVHN offices. They will share the lobby, which is expected to grow to three times its current size.

Pocono Family YMCA Executive Associate Director Erika Huber expects construction to begin with the Dunkin’ demolition by late summer and estimates it will take about 14 months to complete.

More: New Dunkin’ under construction in Stroudsburg as YMCA plans expansion

“Much of the back of the property will be demolished, such as the old fitness center and pool,” Peckins said. “The gyms will be demolished and rebuilt in a new area at the front of the building on the second floor, where you can ride cardio bikes while looking out onto Main Street.”

The gym is expected to expand from approximately 4,000 square feet to 6,000 square feet with all new and updated equipment.

While the basketball court won’t change during this go-around, Peckins said it is part of the plan for a second phase of upgrades and renovations.

The Learning and Caring Center building, which is currently adjacent to the main YMCA building, is proposed to be renovated and expanded as part of the project.

This will expand the capacity for before-school, after-school and summer camps by 60 children, from the current 117. “For actual full-time child care in the LLC building next door (infants, toddlers, children up to 5 years old) we can add an additional 25 children,” Peckins said.

The pool will be located in the same location as the old pool, but the aquatic center is expected to expand from 2,400 square meters to 5,600 square meters.

“We will have a universal locker room, which will add five new private bathrooms and locker room facilities,” Peckins said.

Universal changing rooms are designed for all genders.

“The new aquatic center with a pool that has more than doubled in size is a major highlight in our expansion,” said Peckins.

Peckins is confident the renovations and additional space will increase the YMCA’s membership.

“Membership should triple and could bring in up to $1 million to the community,” Peckins said. “It could add 40 jobs created by the construction of the building, and it will help us work more with the community or be the community center here.”

Peckins added that their membership numbers have already surpassed their pre-COVID numbers. “Our membership and programming have all increased. For example, our swim classes have topped 200 for the first time, we continue to give away $200,000 a year in scholarships and we have raised the Keystone childcare rating to three stars. For 16 years Long before that we had only one star.”

“The difference between us and other organizations is that regardless of religion, ethnicity or age or regardless of your ability to pay, we will still help you,” Peckins said. “So if you can’t afford child care or a membership, we will still find a way to help you. 60% of our child care children are government subsidized and 50% of our summer campers are subsidized.”

Peckins attributes “success and financial gains” over the past five years to good staff, good management, good governance and community effort.

Maria Francis covers K-12 education and real estate, housing and development for the Pocono Record. Reach her out [email protected].

This article originally appeared on Pocono Record: Pocono Family YMCA expansion to break ground by end of summer