Officials from the YMCA of Greater Cleveland are considering a proposal to open a second location in Lakewood.
That’s in addition to the main location at 16915 Detroit Avenue.
Gary Rick, the Lakewood branch manager, said that opening a “storefront” location on the city’s east end — possibly on Madison Avenue near W. 117th Street — would “serve the organization’s mission.”
At an ideal 9,000 square feet, the second location would be slightly smaller and offer different programs.
Rick pointed out that the idea is still in the infancy stages.
“At this point, it’s just a discussion,” he said. “The demand of the (Detroit Avenue) location, shows that we need additional space. Obviously, we would want it to be the same level of quality.”
He said there’s no timetable slated for the project.
Mike Caprino, the corporate engagement director of the Greater Cleveland YMCA, said the eastern location would offer different activities and programs than the main facility on Detroit Avenue.
“We’d like to do activities that we’re not currently doing,” he told Lakewood City Council’s committee of the whole at its meeting on Monday. “Things that we’re not doing right now, but the community would like to have. We don’t want to duplicate what we’re already doing.”
Some of those activities, he said, include a teen center, racquetball and handball courts and a rock-climbing wall.
“We would want it to be of the same level of quality as our current facility.”
The next step, Rick said, is to conduct a feasibility study.
The proposal was well received by city officials.
“I think it’s all part of what we’d hope to achieve for the east end of Madison Avenue,” said Mayor Michael Summers. “There’s a great opportunity to bring more folks into a healthier lifestyle. It’s an investment that’s attractive and supports neighborhoods."
“How could you ask for anything more than that?”
Ruth
6:47 am on Tuesday, March 5, 2013
Will follow these plans with interest. I hope that it can bring some exercise options to the other end of Lakewood. It would be good if they would ask for suggestions from the members or future members as well.
Christina Cocchiarale Ward
7:50 am on Tuesday, March 5, 2013
Bring it!! Need something for the east end :) Yay!
Chris
8:34 am on Tuesday, March 5, 2013
So excited to hear you are considering coming to the east end of Lakewood. As a resident on this side of town, I am glad to see something different from the recent trend.
Joni Nowak RN/CCRN
9:05 am on Tuesday, March 5, 2013
As owner of the Lakewood Learning Center, conveniently located at the corner of Cohassett/Madison, I agree!! It would be wonderful. I think you would find a lot of interest on this end of the city. How about the Fredrich's Moving/Storage bldg? Nice tall bldg, has it's own parking lot and it's been available for awhile. Bring it on...... great idea!
Paul Grimm
9:42 am on Tuesday, March 5, 2013
Hope they have parking.
Kathy
10:48 am on Tuesday, March 5, 2013
An indoor track would be nice too!
M
11:15 am on Tuesday, March 5, 2013
Upgrading Westpark should be a higher priority. If not, please use the space better than at Lakewood. That facility is more than large enough to meet demand, just very poorly designed.
Cindy Marx
11:38 am on Tuesday, March 5, 2013
Great idea! A commitment to the East end of Lakewood on Madison would be refreshing!
Linda Rogers
3:16 pm on Tuesday, March 5, 2013
I think it's a great idea. Everyone loves the one on the west side so one on the east side can't miss.
dougmoore
4:03 pm on Tuesday, March 5, 2013
Im curious..M says the Lakewood Y is very poorly designed..Ms entitled to to his/her opinion. Anybody agree? What specifically is M refering to? The buildings quite new..were they that dumb?
Ruth
6:51 am on Wednesday, March 6, 2013
Would be interested to hear what they mean by a storefront location. Is it to go in an existing building? Give a hint, please.
Mike Caprino
10:42 am on Wednesday, March 6, 2013
Ruth,
VERY early in process, any location would be an existing site with street level entrance.
M-F Schreiber
12:15 pm on Wednesday, March 6, 2013
I, too, will follow these plans with interest. The east end would greatly benefit from an annex. I would be your first customer at the racquetball courts.
Pat Ballasch
1:13 pm on Wednesday, March 6, 2013
How about renting some space in the Screw Factory South of Madison Park? Then do some partnering with the city for an outdoor track in the park. If not the Screw Factory somewhere next to or close to the park.
pam ghaster
5:53 pm on Wednesday, March 6, 2013
What a wonderful idea. I will follow this development as I love the YMCA in Lakewood.
Christine Studer
12:33 pm on Sunday, March 10, 2013
For those of you looking to workout on the east end, you should check out the article on The Movement Factory. http://lakewood-oh.patch.com/articles/the-movement-factory-opens-in-the-lake-erie-screw-building