Write a commentThe YMCA in Oswego is no longer a part of Greater Syracuse and has been working to renovate the community center located at 249 West First Street.
"We're not Syracuse." YMCA Executive Director Kerrie Webb said. "There's a reason we are a suburb and that people live here instead of (Syracuse)... We didn't want someone making change here who didn't live in Oswego."
Renovations have already begun. Part one of the Capital Campaign brought a new pool and boiler to keep the pool heated around 85 degrees.
"The changes aren't something you necessarily see, but you feel." Webb said. "The pool is now complete and it's time to move on to the next part of renovating which will be a connection between the two buildings we have with a fitness center and new locker rooms and hopefully more."
The Capital Campaign raised $1.3 million towards renovating the YMCA. Webb's personal wish list for the center focused on accessibility.
"I don't want people to feel like they can't come and join us here because they can't even get in the building." Webb said. "I'd like to see a ramp entrance on the side and maybe an elevator to reach all three floors we have."
Webb hoped to get moving on the second portion of the renovation by May of this year, but currently there are still financial obligations that must be met before the YMCA can improve even more.
"We did not want to rush into things just because this is what we said we would do, we need to be fiscally responsible each step of the way." Webb said. "We want to make sure we have an outcome that stands up to what we know that we need."
Since leaving Greater Syracuse, The YMCA has rededicated its focus towards the communities' wants and needs. One of those, according to Webb, has been family programming.
"Being able to have an entire family be able to come in and have something that each family member wants to do is something that is very important to us." Webb said.
If you have any interest in joining the YMCA or any questions concerning the facilities, feel free to call (315) 343-1981 or visit their website, oswegoymca.org.
