Celebrating Bigger Better YMCA

In 1999, the Long Island City YMCA facility opened its doors to the western Queens community. Four years later, on July 11, it opened a new set of doors at the ribbon cutting that officially commemorated the grand opening of the Ys new expanded facility. The atmosphere was chaotic and jubilant for Y staff who were happy to see construction complete and for the camp kids already enjoying all that the new space has to offer.
Michael Keller, executive director of the LIC YMCA, kicked off the event with thoughts and thank yous and was joined by former Assemblyman Denis Butler, corporate representatives, financial contributors and community leaders.
"When you walk through the door and look left, you see children on computers, and when you look right, you see children learning to swim. Ive seen firsthand how great it can be," said Councilman Eric Gioia. "When I think about the Y, its about their learning the values that are important. I am so proud to be supporting the Y in any way I can."
After acknowledgements of the contributors, architects of Terjesen Associates, staff and volunteers, the big silver scissors were brought out and the ribbon, borne by YMCA campers, was cut in two. The ceremony was concluded with a tour to let everyone who had contributed time, effort and money to the project see the end result.
The ceremony marked the culmination of a $4.1 million expansion of the Long Island City facility. To meet the western Queens communitys growing needs, the Y added an additional 18,000 square feet of space for administrative offices, a teen center, new locker rooms and 24 more parking spaces. The third floor of the facility features a beautiful 8,000-square-foot indoor gymnasium which will be able to hold classes such as aerobics, as well as basketball, handball and volleyball.
The tour ended with community leaders, YMCA staff and residents witnessing the new gym being broken in with the official shooting of the first basket. To make things more interesting, everyone who wanted to play a little ball was free to take a toss, and not everyone was successful. The inaugural shot was perfectly executed, but things went downhill from there. Gioia and Keller both had a laugh watching as their shots went awry.
Bob Havlena, a LIC YMCA member and Woodside resident, had come to the facility for his daily morning swim, but stayed to watch the ribbon cutting. He has been a member of the YMCA since he was a child and feels very strongly about the importance of the center in the community.
"Its amazing how this place has grown and what they offer. There are just a lot of activities. Theyre really community oriented," he said. "They have a class in Spanish about buying a house. And everyone always talks about the kids, but they have a lot of programs for seniors."
The expansion was part of the YMCAs $150 million capital redevelopment program and was made possible through contributions by private businesses, individuals and government agencies. Borough President Helen Marshall, a staunch supporter of the YMCA, secured $500,000 toward capital construction costs.
"My office has had a successful working partnership with the YMCA in Queens. We have worked jointly on my city Housing Authority youth initiative to provide much needed educational and recreational programs for youth at community centers," commented Marshall in a released statement.
The second phase of the Long Island City Ys development, which will include additional daycare and multipurpose rooms, will begin next year.
"Through our expansion, our YMCA has ensured that there is a safe haven for youth, teens and families in western Queens for generations to come," said Keller. "This is a remarkable achievement, and we are proud to offer a larger array of services to the families in our service area."