The YMCA of Bristol is poised for a transformation, one that will position us to serve the health and wellness needs of our community for the next half-century. This effort will extensively revamp our current facility, featuring our largest renovation in more than 50 years. But first- how the last three years progression of updates to get us here!

RENOVATION PROJECT HISTORY

In 2018, the YMCA of Bristol started to transform. Under the new leadership of CEO Rick Matthews and the executive team, no weight, machine or lightbulb was left untouched! Every department and staff member has been touched in some way- big or small, which has been great news for our members. But the even better news is- we are not done! The biggest renovation in the history of our Y will be completed by the end of this year!

But first let’s recap the numerous updates, changes and improvements already made up until this point:

 

Childcare

  • New Teen Center and Arcade for ages 12-17
  • New Stay and Play area with individual restroom for ages 5 and under
  • New 71 Passenger Bus and 26 passenger bus to provide safe childcare transportation
  • Opened a New 5 Acre Summer Camp Facility – named Camp Adventure

Wellness Updates

  • All new Nautilus machines
  • More than 60 New Pieces of Cardio Equipment
  • New sanitizeable rubber flooring in the cardio theatre
  • Addition of new Mind + Body studio
  • New Cycle Studio
  • New BoxMaster studio and equipment
  • All New Group Exercise Equipment for all group exercise studios
  • New fleet of Keiser Cycle Bikes for spinning

Membership and Communication

  • New APP for Apple and Android users
  • New Website overhaul
  • Implementation of a monthly newsletter to members
  • Creation of new lobby area and social space
  • Addition of free coffee and tea station
  • New Water Fountains with Bottle Fillers and Filtered Water

Aquatics Updates

  • Infant and toddler survival swim program- Float for Life
  • Resurfaced therapy pool
  • All new furniture, supplies and lane ropes in pools
  • New CPR and first aid supplies for in-house trainings

Facility and Maintenance Updates:

  • New Global Plasma Air Purification System to reduce germs 24 hours a day
  • New Automatic Handicapped Doors
  • New LED Marquee
  • Complete renovations to membership and corporate offices
  • Parking Lots sealed and stripped
  • Resurfaced front patio area
  • New air conditioning units
  • New LED lighting in the parking lot
  • New Hot and Cold Water System
  • New Pool Filtering System
  • Repainted entire second floor
  • Added Safety ladders throughout the facility to access all levels of the roof

Caring for staff during the Pandemic:

  • The Board of Volunteers and CEO made it a priority from day one to keep all YMCA staff on the payroll throughout this entire Coronavirus Pandemic.  Only a very small percentage of YMCA’s throughout the country did this for their staff!
  • We were one of the first YMCA’s to put in all safety protocols and measures in the country – many YMCA’s throughout the country used our best practices model to safely open their YMCA’s.
  • We were one of the first YMCA’s to pivot and provide Free Essential Childcare since very early on in the pandemic and this program is still in place today.

 

 

UPCOMING RENOVATION PROJECT OVERVIEW

The YMCA of Bristol is focused on member safety, satisfaction and providing areas to create and even greater sense of community in our y! This will all be accomplished with our new 8,500 sq. ft. renovation layout coming in 2021. The first level of the YMCA will be transformed to house 27 new, private showers and locker/changing rooms, special needs changing rooms, additional fitness space and a cross-generational social area. Construction will begin in July 2021 and is expected to conclude by the end of the year.

Future Amenities
New dynamic fitness training space Men’s Steam Room & Sauna
New Wellness studio 27 PRIVATE shower/changing rooms
Touch free features Handicap accessible
New fellowship and social space Extended Coffee and Vending options

What can you expect?

Members are encouraged to stay informed of all construction-related developments to ensure their visit to the Y while we remain fully open during our renovation through the following options:

  • EMAIL UPDATES – Renovation construction progress and important upcoming news will be included in our member newsletters. Don’t receive our newsletters? Stop by the Membership office and add/update your email address today!
  • YMCA APP – Be the first to know about potential disruptions to your routine by downloading the YMCA of Bristol APP! It works on Apple and Android!
  • WEBSITE – Track progress of the renovation and learn more about how we are working to create the best possible member experience for you by reinvesting in our facility by visiting this page often.

 

 

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Q: Why is the YMCA of Bristol renovating?

A: The YMCA of Bristol originally opened its doors to the community in 1884. Its construction was a true community effort and, today, the Y is a vibrant community center. A significant interior renovation project is necessary to ensure that the YMCA of Bristol can continue best serve its current members by providing the best possible experience.

Q: What does the renovation project include?

The first level of the YMCA will be transformed to house 27 new, private showers and locker/changing rooms, special needs changing rooms, additional fitness space and a cross-generational social area.

  • Demolition of girls and boys locker rooms to create entirely new, improved locker rooms for all men/boys and women/girls, families and special needs members.
  • Construction of a universal/family locker room to include 27 private changing rooms with individual showers, toilets, and changing areas the will better accommodate families and members with specific locker room needs not currently met by the existing locker rooms.
  • Demolition of all existing, outdated locker rooms.
  • Installation of a new individual dry sauna located off the pool deck and within view and easy access of lifesaving Y aquatics staff for the safety of participating members.
  • Increasing the size of the Wellness Center to create an expansive, bright, open space for all to experience the health and well-being benefits a YMCA membership can provide.
  • A substantial expansion to the social spaces our members love. More room to fellowship in large and small groups, additional seating for snack or mealtimes, or settle by the fireplace to read a book. This space will allow our Y community to grow and serve all needs of our members.

Q: What is the timeline for construction and completion?

A: Work will begin in July 2021 and is expected to conclude by the end of the year.

Q: What is the cost of the renovation project?

A: The total cost of this reinvestment project is $800,000.

Q: Will this project affect membership or fees?

A: No. The cost of renovating the YMCA of Bristol will be funded exclusively through community support and donations to the IMAGINE THE POSSIBILITIES capital campaign. Visit the YMCA of Bristol at https://www.bristolymca.net/ to learn more about the project and how you can make a contribution in support of the Y and the YMCA of Bristol community.

Q: Will the Y be open during renovation?

A: Yes. While some spaces within the facility may be temporarily unavailable or available in a reduced or modified capacity, the YMCA of Bristol will remain fully open for the duration of the project.

Q: Will parking be affected by the construction activity?

A: A portion of the parking lot may be reserved for construction vehicles as needed according to each phase of the construction. We will keep members informed of any parking disruption and will work to minimize inconvenience to members.

Q: Will the expanded Wellness Center include new fitness equipment?

A: Yes. Within the expanded space we have plans to include new equipment in addition to the current equipment. Additional information regarding fitness equipment and the new Wellness Center will be forthcoming.

Q: Where can I receive updates?

A: We will keep members informed about progress and any temporary changes that may occur through the following:

  • EMAIL UPDATES – Renovation construction progress and important upcoming news will be included in our member newsletters. Don’t receive our newsletters? Stop by the Membership office and add/update your email address today!
  • YMCA APP – Be the first to know about potential disruptions to your routine by downloading the YMCA of Bristol APP! It works on Apple and Android!
  • WEBSITE – Track progress of the renovation and learn more about how we are working to create the best possible member experience for you by reinvesting in our facility by visiting this page often.

Q: How can I help?

MAKE A GIFT – All members are welcome to contribute to the YMCA of Bristol capital reinvestment campaign. If you wish to learn more about opportunities to contribute to this exciting revitalization project and the future of the YMCA, please contact our Y today!