YMCA Eyeing Second Location on Madison Avenue

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?”