Construction of the Spencer Family YMCA finally under way
It was a long time in coming, but the construction of the Spencer Family YMCA in Bethel Park is finally underway.
Members of the Spencer family, along with executives from the YMCA of Greater Pittsburgh, gathered March 28 at the site of the former BladeRunners in Bethel Park to officially celebrate the start of the project, which will convert the former hockey facility into a multi-faceted complex that will enable the YMCA to more than double the people it can serve each year.
“Bethel Park is looking forward to its future with this new facility,” said Bethel Park Mayor Jack Allen.
The South Hills YMCA will continue to operate at 305 Church Road until the completion of construction, which should take a year to finish. The 62,000-square-foot building will then be re-dedicated as the Spencer Family YMCA. Plans for the building include an indoor swimming pool with four lap lanes, a recreational pool, ice hockey rink, three group exercise studios, a community multi-purpose room, a sports court, a state-of-the-art wellness center and an indoor hockey rink. The YMCA bought BladeRunners for $2.5 million in 2012.
Progress on the project had been hampered by zoning issues, which took longer than expected to resolve.
“It is a pleasure to be here today,” said Rig Riggins, president and CEO of the YMCA of Greater Pittsburgh, referring to the obstacles the project encountered. “This will pay big dividends for the South Hills.” The larger space will enable the YMCA to expand its Adventure Guides, which promotes strong bonds between fathers and their children through shared activities, such as camping. The space will also enable the YMCA to have state-of-the-art cardiovascular and strength-training equipment, as well as offer services like personal training, group exercise classes, senior fitness, water aerobics, swim lessons, sled and ice hockey leagues and diabetes prevention programs.
The March 28 ceremonies included members of the Larry Spencer family, who have been actively involved in the South Hills YMCA for 30 years. In 1991, Spencer, who died last year, bought 136 acres of land adjacent to the Y’s Camp Kon-O-Kwee. The site, now known as Camp Spencer, accommodates children and adults with special needs. Spencer, a former board member, also donated funds for the new YMCA.
“If my Dad was here, I know how awfully proud he would be,” Bill Spencer said. “This is an exciting day.”