By Christine Graf
Work is currently underway on a $6 million renovation project at the Southern Saratoga YMCA. Located in Clifton Park, the branch is one of the 10 operated by the Capital District YMCA (CDYMCA).
As part of its $20 million capital campaign, the CDYMCA plans to renovate some of its older facilities. The project in Clifton Park represents phase one of the plan, the rest of which has yet to be announced.
Built in 1994, the Southern Saratoga YMCA will undergo a major interior and exterior facelift. Unutilized and underutilized spaces within the facility will be repurposed, mechanical and HVAC systems will be upgraded, and technologic capabilities will be enhanced.
“We will be adding new administrative office areas as well as collaborative spaces for learning and sharing—a community space with multi-purpose rooms,” said David Brown, CEO of the CDYMCA. “We’re also enhancing the kitchen, making it a chef’s kitchen. That will allow us to offer more classes and programming in the kitchen.”
The renovation includes new and expanded spaces for teens and youth, a refresh of the lobby and gyms, and enhancements to the childcare facilities. The pool area, locker rooms, and sauna will also be updated. The facility’s wellness centers will be expanded, a larger spinning studio will be added, and several new lines of high-tech fitness equipment will be purchased.
Exterior renovations will include a new façade for the building as well as new landscaping. A small outdoor splash pad for children will also be added to the side of the building.
“We’re focusing on modernization, technology, and a refresh of the space,” said Brown. “We want to make sure that we continue to serve the community, and the facility was 30 years old, so it was time to freshen it up. Everything is going to brighter and more vibrant, and we are going to improve technology and IT capabilities in all of our spaces.”
Renovations began in February and are expected be finished within a year. Bonaquisti Brothers Construction of Albany is performing the work, completing the project in phases.