The Community YMCA, Red Bank, board of directors plans to establish three new branches during the next 18-36 months, in addition to the 2001 revitalization of Camp Zehnder YMCA, Wall, currently under way.
"We are currently talking to several municipalities about possible sites," said Richard W. Pollock, president and CEO of the Y.
The Y is negotiating with several municipalities in the northern Monmouth/southern Middlesex county area. This would be the first project of the Y’s expansion plan.
The second aspect involves working with Long Branch, Asbury Park and Neptune and school officials to collaborate on initiatives and programs in the coastal Monmouth area.
The third project of the expansion involves the return of the Y in Fort Hancock, Sandy Hook, first established in 1901 to serve members of the military.
The Community Y plans to return to the existing building to again provide programs and services to the area. The program would be a summer program for older children and would encompass kayaking, canoeing, windsurfing, sailing, fishing, oceanography, marine science and environmental education.
The National Park Service’s Fort Hancock is currently undergoing a historical rehabilitation, and representatives are working on a master lease with the developers, Sandy Hook Partners, to bring the buildings back to compliance under historic preservation guidelines.
The Sandy Hook Partners will lease space to corporate, nonprofit and educational tenants, including The Community YMCA, Brookdale Community College and Rutgers University, to serve employees, guests, visitors in the wider bayshore area. In cooperation with the Coast Guard and park service, the initiative would operate on a year-round basis, providing sports, fitness and recreation programs to area residents.
Capital expenses with funds to endow facilities for the future are estimated at $12 million-$15 million.
"The planned expansion of our Y is possible because we have so many skilled and experienced staff members. The promotion of some of our great people will enable us to proceed with our planned expansion to provide better service in our area," said Douglas P. Stives, chairman of The Community Y’s board of directors.
The Community Y serves approximately 19,000 people annually and also funds YCARES, a financial assistance program.
For more information, call Alyson Link, director of marketing and communications, at (732) 530-5144, ext. 13.