Monthly
Column
Squamscott
Community Commons Field Trip to New Marblehead YMCA:
By
Jen Chinburg
April, 2009
On
March 11, a group of 15 Squamscott Community Commons volunteers
took a “field trip” to the new Lynch/van Otterloo
YMCA in Marblehead, Massachusetts. At Squamscott Community
Commons we are currently in the phase of planning our
“bricks and mortar”, but for this day we were
treated to a vision of the bricks and mortar brought to
life. This YMCA is comparable in scope and design to the
Squamscott project. It is also a new generation YMCA;
incorporating green design, materials and concepts that
are fresh and welcoming. The 90,000 square foot facility
itself is beautiful and efficient, with natural light
streaming in through the windows and replacing old images
of fluorescent lighting, dampness and chlorine odor.
Though
the “seeing” was impressive, it was the “feeling”
of the heartbeat of the YMCA on a cold and rainy Wednesday
morning, that was most inspiring. Jane Oldfield-Spearman
observed, “At the off-peak time of 11:00 in the
morning, the grand foyer was buzzing with activity and
energy. On the tour we saw children in the preschool center
and drop-in childcare room who were playing and decorating
their classrooms with artwork; groups of young parents
were chatting while they watched their kids take swimming
lessons; toddlers were playing ball with parents in the
gymnasium for an open activity time; adults of all ages
were working out in the fitness area and taking exercise
classes; auditions for a YMCA sponsored theater production
of "Annie", special teen nights and teen exercise
classes were advertised; summer camp registrations were
being taken; a young child was having a lively conversation
with an elder woman in the locker room.” Another
favorite scene was of the father dressed in weight lifting
gear who took a break from his routine to peer into the
free babysitting room where his toddler was enjoying story
time.
The
new generation YMCA is so much more than a building; it’s
a lifestyle with activities to interest almost anyone
you can think of. The environment and programming say,
“Welcome, whoever you are, we have something for
you.” The fitness facilities and programming cater
from the serene to the extreme; with yoga, zumba, aerobics,
cardio machines, weight lifting and rock climbing to name
just a few. The YMCA has become quite popular with the
local teen population and there are special hours to accommodate
their particular energy and needs. Elementary-aged children
who participate in the after school program take a bus
directly after the last bell for a much needed change
of pace. Birthday parties are hosted throughout the weekend
with special packages geared to the children’s interests.
Special camps are available, not only during summer vacation,
but during school breaks as well. Families can plan to
let the television go black; kids will be otherwise engaged
with fun filled, active and educational activities.
With
an on-site rehabilitation and physical therapy center
we had a glimpse of the additional benefits that will
be offered through our partnering agencies. At Squamscott
Community Commons our partner agencies will add even more
dimensions such as arts learning and enrichment and accessible
health care and wellness services.
The
Lynch/van Otterloo YMCA has been open for just 4 months,
already has 10,000 members, and employs 200 full and part-time
people. Executive Director Paul Gorman candidly shared
the story of how they made the vision a reality. The fundraising
goals, the timeline, and the donor base were all comparable
to what we face within our own project. We were reassured
that we can successfully and proudly build this community
center for our own families and future generations. Through
our visit to the Lynch/van Otterloo YMCA we have gained
a valuable advisor and advocate for our project; one who
is willing to share many of the lessons learned along
the path. We also gained a strong dose of confidence and
encouragement that we can build, and even improve upon,
this model inter-generational center.
For
more information about the Lynch/van Otterloo YMCA, please
visit www.northshoreymca.org.
For updated information on our Squamscott Community Commons,
please visit our "In
the News" section.
--
Jen Chinburg, Capital Campaign Steering Committee, Squamscott
Community Commons.
