The new year is an opportunity for change, excitement, and new beginnings. This is also true for your community Y this year, as our opening day of 2022 introduced an additional entrance, a construction fence, and yes, a little bit of confusion and surprise.

The Boothbay Region YMCA is undergoing much needed renovations. The new pools and Aquatic Center were added a decade ago, but the last major renovation at the Y was in 1990. The current upgrades are happening smack in the middle of the building; new HVAC, electrical and mechanical systems are the first to be addressed. Demolition will be next, in order to make room for new multi-purpose community spaces on the main level and more spacious areas for the Wellness Center that house our cardio equipment and free weights. Outdoor improvements will include a re-paved parking lot, a full solar array on the Field House roof, and the removal of the covered walkway between the main facility and the Child Enrichment Center, Harbor Montessori School, and Y-Arts annex. The main facility renovations will be complete by early fall.

In the meantime, the Y is asking our members and the community to help us through the transitions with patience, humor, and grace. Our multi-tasking staff is working continuously to make the member experience as orderly as possible, enabling everyone to access their favorite programs and activities.

Since the main building facility is essentially “gutted in the middle,” there are two new temporary entrances that access opposite sides of the facility at the Field House and at the Gymnasium.

The Field House Entrance accesses:

• Front desk
• Track
• Cardio and free weight equipment in our temporary Wellness Center
• Pickleball and tennis courts
• Locker rooms and rest rooms

The Gymnasium Entrance accesses:

• Check-in Station
• Gym
• Pools
• Squash and racquetball courts
• Healthy Living Studios
• Stretching Area
• Locker rooms and rest rooms

We recognize that walking the distance from the parking lot to the pools may be challenging for some, especially on very cold days. We also understand that the parking lot is tighter than usual as there is a large section fenced off for construction vehicles and soon a crane. We plan to create more space for turning around and will also add well-marked handicapped and walking areas. In addition, we ask members to carefully cross the parking lot if their exercise routines bring them to both sections of the building. And, remember your coat and boots!

The Y’s Executive Director, Andy Hamblett says, “In the spirit of the new year that brings change, we appreciate our members’ flexibility as we work to offer the same great programs during the transition, knowing that the completed renovations will be worth it in the end. Thank you to everyone as you evolve with us!”

We welcome constructive feedback as we navigate the changes in routines, and we appreciate the kind words that many members have shared with us over the last few days. We extend an attitude of gratitude to all of you as we welcome 2022 and look forward to our new and improved YMCA!