Hillsborough YMCA Renovation

REINVESTING IN OUR COMMUNITY

Hillsborough YMCA originally opened its doors to the community in 1996. Its construction was a true community effort and, today, the Y is a vibrant community center. Further, Hillsborough Township has experienced tremendous population growth since the 1990’s—more than a 30% growth according to census data. Similarly, enrollment in PreK through 12th grade in the school district has climbed from 6,534 in the 1998-99 school year (earliest available data form NJ DOE) to 7,320 in the most recent 2017-18 school year. A significant interior renovation project is necessary to ensure that Hillsborough YMCA can continue best serve its current members by providing the best possible experience.

To continue to best serve you, our members, and provide the best possible experience, we are reinvesting in our facility by embarking on a significant interior renovation project.

The overall goals of this capital project are to create:

  • Expanded and improved wellness space to remove barriers for everyone, all ages and abilities, to be physically active
  • Upgraded locker rooms, including the creation of a universal/family locker room to create a truly inclusive environment for all
  • Enhancing popular gathering spaces to provide an open and positive environment for social connections

Toward that end, we have launched a fundraising campaign to renovate and enhance Hillsborough YMCA.

Now, you too can be a part of this exciting time of growth by making a gift to Hillsborough YMCA’s Strong Past Bright Future Capital Campaign.

MAKE YOUR GIFT

Reinvesting in Our Future

This renovation project will continue to strengthen our community by:

  • Substantially 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
  • Creating brand new classroom spaces for the Y’s year-round youth programming to allow for ongoing innovation and expansion of these critical programs
  • Increasing capacity on the entire pool deck to allow Hillsborough YMCA to provide more access to the local high school to host home swim meets
  • Better accommodating families and members with specific locker room needs not currently met by creating a universal/family locker room
Looking toward the future, we want to ensure that the Y can best serve our current members and also address emerging community needs in the years to come. This includes programs for children, adults, seniors, individuals with special needs, as well as programs that address social issues such as mental health, substance abuse prevention and chronic disease.
But, the fundraising campaign is about more than bricks and mortar…

Your investment in our Strong Past, Bright Future Campaign guarantees more wellness opportunities for all ages, improved accessibility for individuals of all abilities, continued opportunities for programmatic innovation and enhanced space for positive social interactions.

This renovation will allow us to provide you with the best possible experience at the Y, and we are excited about the opportunities it will bring.

RENOVATION PROJECT OVERVIEW FOR MEMBERS

The Hillsborough YMCA renovation project will include an expansion of the existing Wellness Center through the reconfiguration of existing adjacent spaces as well as select enhancements to existing facility amenities. The renovation will also include upgrading facility amenities such as the locker rooms and the popular lobby area to provide for an improved experience for members and their families during each visit to our Y. To minimize the impact on members, the renovation will be completed in phases. Construction will begin in mid-February 2020 and is expected to conclude in about 12 months.

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 weekly member newsletters. Don’t receive our newsletters? Stop by the Welcome Center and add/update your email address today!
  • MY Y ALERTS – Be the first to know about potential disruptions to your routine by signing up to receive general membership alerts via text message. Text HYMEMBER to 56525 to get started!* Learn more at gscyma.org/text
  • 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.

CONSTRUCTION PROGRESS & UPDATES

Week of March 24, 2020

It’s all about plumbing as we continue work on Hillsborough YMCA’s exciting interior renovation project! The demolition of our locker rooms was completed this month, allowing crews to tackle the following plumbing-related projects:

  • Plumbing trenches were laid out and cut
  • Sanitary plumbing drains were installed and the trench back filled
  • The ceiling grid in the shower area was installed

Additionally, rough framing of the area’s chase wall for plumbing and masonry walls in the locker room continues, and HVAC ductwork was fabricated and is currently being installed.

We look forward to providing you with more updates and thank you for your patience and understanding as we continue to build a better Y for you!

Week of February 17, 2020

Up next, members can expect to see/hear the following around the Y:
  • Members will notice new temporary walls designed to separate the Youth Locker Rooms from the rest of the building—keeping members safe from dust and debris from construction—while still allowing access to the pool from the remaining Adult Locker Rooms
  • Demolition of the Youth Locker Rooms will begin this in preparation for a complete remodeling and creation of brand new locker rooms for all members for all ages and abilities in our community
Thank you for your patience as we work to build a better Y for you!

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Q: Why is Greater Somerset County YMCA renovating the Hillsborough YMCA location?

A: Hillsborough YMCA originally opened its doors to the community in 1996. 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 Hillsborough YMCA can continue best serve its current members by providing the best possible experience.

Q: What does the renovation project include?

A: Planned work at Hillsborough YMCA as part of this reinvestment project will include:
  • Demolition of girls and boys locker rooms to create entirely new, improved locker rooms for all men/boys and women/girls.
  • Construction of a universal/family locker room to include four 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 existing enclosed storage spaces to provide for expanded seating capacity on the entire pool deck.
  • Installation of a new co-ed dry sauna located off the pool deck and within view and easy access of lifesaving Y aquatics staff for the safety of participating members.
  • Creating a cluster of three new classrooms to host kinder care for our early learners, K-8 after care when the school day is over, 10 weeks of summer camp STEAM offerings.
    • These new classrooms will provide a revitalized, fully modern space for the Y’s year-round youth programming.
  • 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.
  • New rubber flooring throughout the newly expanded Wellness Center will offer a safe, accessible surface for strength as well as agility training activities and everything in between.
  • Improved climate control through a new HVAC system that will, through enhanced filtration and temperature control, further support a positive member experience in the expanded Wellness Center.
  • A substantial facelift to the the lobby area.
    • The dark brick walls of the main lobby area will be re-skinned in sheet rock for a clean, bright appearance throughout.
    • The desk of the Welcome Center—greeting and see-you-soon central—will be reconfigured to support interactions between our Membership staff and all members and visitors, making the front desk a fixture that facilitates meaningful connections.
    • Replacement of the current brick flooring will improve accessibility for members with mobility challenges.
  • Enhanced acoustics to reduce noise pollution across the facility.

 

HILLSBOROUGH YMCA INTERIOR LAYOUT BEFORE RENOVATION:

HILLSBOROUGH YMCA INTERIOR LAYOUT AFTER RENOVATION:

Q: What will the Y be able to provide as a result of the renovation?

A: Renovations will better enable Hillsborough YMCA to continue to strengthen our community by:
  • Substantially 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
  • Creating brand new classroom spaces for the Y’s year-round youth programming to allow for ongoing innovation and expansion of these critical programs
  • Increasing capacity on the entire pool deck to allow Hillsborough YMCA to provide more access to the local high school to host home swim meets
  • Better accommodating families and members with specific locker room needs not currently met by creating a universal/family locker room
This substantial capital reinvestment will help remove barriers for everyone—all ages and abilities—to be physically active and allow for the expansion of vital programs—helping local residents live their healthiest lives.

Q: What is the timeline for construction and completion?

A: Work will begin in mid-February 2020 and is expected to conclude in about 12 months.

Q: What is the cost of the Hillsborough YMCA renovation project?

A: The total cost of this reinvestment project is $3.2 million.

Q: Will this project affect Hillsborough YMCA membership or program fees?

A: No. The cost of renovating Hillsborough YMCA will be funded exclusively through community support and donations to the STRONG PAST, BRIGHT FUTURE capital campaign. Visit the Hillsborough YMCA Renovation page at gscymca.org/hy-renovation today to learn more about the project and how you can make a contribution in support of the Y and the greater Hillsborough 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, Hillsborough YMCA 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 renovation have an impact on child care programs?

A: Through our planning for the construction, we have worked to minimize any impact on our child care programs, including our Early Education Center, School Age Child Care and Kidz Korner babysitting for members while they work out. If and when there will be any impacts to how these programs utilize our facility, participating families will be informed in advance.

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 – Renovation construction progress and important upcoming news will be included in our weekly member newsletters. Don’t receive our newsletters? Stop by the Welcome Center and add/update your email address today!
  • MY Y ALERTS – Be the first to know about potential disruptions to your routine by signing up to receive general membership alerts via text message. Text HYMEMBER to 56525 to get started!* Learn more at gscyma.org/text
  • WEBSITE – Track progress of the renovation and learn more about how we are working to create the best possible member experience by reinvesting in our facility at gscymca.org/hy-renovation

Q: Will members be able to utilize other Greater Somerset County YMCA locations?

A: Yes. Members are always welcome to utilize Bridgewater YMCA, Somerville YMCA, and Somerset Hills YMCA. Additionally, your membership allows you visit any YMCA in the United States and Puerto Rico at no additional cost, provided they participate in the Y’s Nationwide Membership.

Q: How has Greater Somerset County YMCA reinvested in the member experience through facility updates across its branches?

A: In 2018, we completed a substantial renovation of the pool, locker room, Wellness Center—including new fitness equipment—as well as climate control and ventilation systems at Somerville YMCA. Additional details regarding this more than $3 million reinvestment in our members are available at: https://www.gscymca.org/capitalprojects/somerville-ymca-renovation/
In 2019, we completed a two-story expansion of Somerset Hills YMCA to include nearly 15,000 sq. ft. of state-of-the-art, fully accessible wellness space, three additional multipurpose studios, two renovated existing studios, additional restrooms on the 2nd floor, as well as an upgraded mechanical system for improved climate control and member comfort. More information regarding this $7 million reinvestment project can be found at: https://www.gscymca.org/capitalprojects/somerset-hills-ymca-expansion/
Through the generous support of our STRONG PAST, BRIGHT FUTURE capital campaign, we continue to create welcoming, inclusive spaces for healthier lifestyles at all Greater Somerset County YMCA facilities.

Q: How can I help?

A: STAY INFORMED – Sign up for My Y Alerts at gscymca.org/text and make sure your current email address is on file with the Y.
MAKE A GIFT – All members are welcome to contribute to Hillsborough YMCA’s capital reinvestment campaign. If you wish to learn more about opportunities to contribute to this exciting revitalization project and the future of Hillsborough YMCA, please contact our Chief Philanthropy Officer today.
*Msg&data rates may apply. Reply STOP to 56525 to cancel. Available in USA. Message frequency varies based on the type(s) of SMS messages you have opted in to receive (up to 6 msgs/mth per group). Your privacy is always protected and your information will not be shared. Terms & privacy policy at gscymca.org.