L-R: Amanda Wappes, chief marketing officer for River Crossing YMCA; Northampton County Executive Tara Zrinski; PA State Senator Lisa Boscola; River Crossing YMCA President/CEO Zane Moore; Chief Development Officer Debbie Sontupe; Chief Financial Officer Virginia Doyle. Senator Boscola presented the YMCA with a check for $600,000 representing state funds accessed through the PA Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program (RACP) and statewide Local Share Account (LSA), which distributes gaming revenues through the Commonwealth Financing Authority (CFA). Photo courtesy River Crossing YMCA
NAZARETH – River Crossing YMCA hosted members, community leaders, donors and elected officials at a groundbreaking event on May 21 to celebrate renovation construction of its branch in Nazareth. The revitalized branch will better address community needs and create a modern wellness and gathering hub in the heart of downtown Nazareth.
Having raised over $8 million towards the $9 million fundraising goal, the Y put shovels in the ground to officially commemorate construction. The renovated Nazareth branch of River Crossing YMCA will provide new space and opportunity for all families and generations to come together for mind-body wellness, socialization and child care. The facility will feature a modern design, with three floors geared to engage more individuals and families in pursuit of health, wellness and belonging.
Guests at the groundbreaking celebration included Nazareth Mayor Lance Collando, State Senator Lisa Boscola (18th Dist.), Northampton County Executive Tara Zrinski, Y members, staff and donors to the Restoring the Past, Inspiring the Future fundraising campaign.
“As someone who grew up in Nazareth, at this Y, visiting often with my father, sister, friends, children, participating in programs, and building lifelong connections in these walls, today is incredibly exciting,” shared Blaine Phillips, lead donor to the campaign and 1978 graduate of Nazareth High School. “The Y was my second home as a child, and over its first 108 years of existence that has meant a lot to the Nazareth community. When the renovations are complete, the Y will flourish and be a place where the Nazareth community, for the next 100 years, can gather and enjoy, as my family did.”
The upcoming branch renovation includes
- Modernized architecture that celebrates the Y’s historic legacy in Nazareth, which goes back over 100 years
- NEW expanded wellness center and program spaces featuring state-of-the-art fitness equipment
- NEW dedicated community room to share with partner organizations for meetings and events
- NEW child care classrooms, school age child care, and brand new Stay & Play (activities and supervision for children while adult members use the facility)
- Newly refurbished gymnasium and refreshed aquatics center
- Three new studios, as well as intentionally designed quiet spaces to support mental wellness, meditation and mindfulness
- Community gathering areas and cafe to relax, connect, and collaborate
The renovated branch will include a secure wing to operate high-quality, licensed early childhood education and care for 48 children. The space will also be licensed for 20 additional school age children for before and after school care, making it easier for YMCA child care families to take advantage of YMCA membership and branch amenities during the school week.
A new elevator and stairwell, along with barrier-free environments for people with varied abilities and needs, will improve the Y’s accessibility for the whole community. With the additional space for classes and programs, the Y will be able to expand its free, donor-supported community Pathway programs, which provide professionally led six-to-12 week health and wellness classes to groups of individuals who share a common life experience, such as military Veterans, cancer survivors, and those at risk of developing chronic disease. Last year, River Crossing YMCA served over 2,000 participants in community Pathway programs, including those that have already expanded to the Lehigh Valley.
“When the YMCA came to me with their vision for the branch in Nazareth, it was a no-brainer for me,” State Senator Boscola remarked at the celebration. “When I was growing up I had playground instructors, swim instructors and that’s what is important to communities and what government paid for. I think you are going to benefit greatly from this. Thank you to the whole YMCA community for supporting this YMCA.”
“I can’t stress enough the vital role the Y has played here in the Nazareth area,” shared Mayor Collando. “The child and youth programs, fitness and recreation, and community services, such as programs for older adults and child care, have been a staple that our borough and surrounding townships have counted on. I’m thankful that the YMCA is investing in renovating this building. They’re building a bright future for their members and our community.” (Photo courtesy River Crossing YMCA)
“So, there’s a saying in the YMCA world, ‘No community deserves a Y that isn’t willing to support a Y.’ Well, I’m looking across this room today. This community definitely deserves this YMCA,” said Zane Moore, president/CEO of River Crossing YMCA. “To our donors, community members, thank you so much for your incredible support.
“You’re playing a part in the history, and what brought us here today. We preserve this for the future; we preserve this for future families, for future kids, for seniors, so they have a place to be, a place for our community to come.” (Photo courtesy River Crossing YMCA)
“When my family first learned about the vision for this project, it was clear this was more than a building renovation,” shared Stephen Bajan II, a lifelong Nazareth resident who now serves on the River Crossing YMCA board of directors. “This project is about making sure future generations continue having access to a place where people can gather, connect, grow and belong. My family is incredibly proud to support this effort and to help shape the next chapter of the YMCA in Nazareth.” (Photo courtesy River Crossing YMCA)
To view architectural renderings of the new design for River Crossing YMCA’s Nazareth branch, please scan the QR code or visit this link. All images courtesy of River Crossing YMCA.
River Crossing YMCA (formerly YMCA of Bucks and Hunterdon Counties and Greater Valley YMCA) is a charitable, nonprofit organization committed to strengthening communities through membership and programs that foster youth development, healthy living and social responsibility for all. Annually, the Y serves over 100,000 members and participants at its 11 member branches, 12 early childhood centers, 20 summer camp locations and 44 school age child care programs. River Crossing YMCA provides over $12 million of community impact annually in the form of financial assistance to individuals and families in need and free programming for veterans, cancer survivors, older adults and more. To learn more visit ymcarivercrossing.org.
Information provided to TVL by:
Michael Reisman
