A ribbon-cutting ceremony Thursday celebrated
the opening of the first new YMCA in the Bronx in 30 years.
The facility features two indoor pools, and there
are plans to focus on bringing cultural, health and educational programs
to the neighborhood.
The new location also offers a gymnasium for
basketball, a workout center, an agricultural roof garden and kitchen for
cooking classes.
The 50,000-square-foot center sits on 3 acres of
urban forest.
The hub
was developed in partnership with several different stakeholders, including
elected officials, the YMCA and community advocates, according to the YMCA of
Greater New York’s president and CEO. It’s a dream come true, Assemblyman Carl
Heastie says.
The northeast Bronx YMCA is now open to the
community.