It’s been a long road, filled with fundraisers, local outreach and several “Lifesavers,” for local officials and volunteers as they underwent painstaking efforts to save the 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 inspectors 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.
Exterior work on the pool is ongoing, as they continue to replace several damaged windows, and the drop ceiling has been completely removed. New steel supports have been installed and the roof is nearing completion. As an added bonus, volunteers also gave the interior of the lobby a fresh set of paint.
With construction and renovations continuing, YMCA officials are eyeing a grand re-opening around the week of November 1.
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 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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