On July 25, the YMCA-YWCA of the National Capital Region announced a plan to explore a new west-end 23,500 sq foot location in the Carlingwood Mall.
The new facility will build upon the Y’s strong connection to Carlingwood, a community it served for forty-five years at the Carlingwood Y on Lockhart Avenue. The Carlingwood Y closed in 2012 due to unviable renovation expenses discovered in 2010. From 2010-2012, the Y leased the property from its current owners to allow members time to transition.
The Y has actively been seeking ways to return to the Carlingwood community with a strong, financially-sustainable facility.
The YMCA-YWCA now has the opportunity to lease a 23,500 sq.-ft. space in the Carlingwood Mall. The space will be an inclusive, community-based facility providing unique programs and services that meet the needs of the community, including: Group exercise classes; strength training and aerobic conditioning equipment; children’s recreational programs; leisure swim, aquafit and children’s swim lessons; inviting social spaces and child minding services.
The Y is currently pre-registering members over a 60-day period until September 30 with the goal of securing enough memberships to make the new Carlingwood Mall Y a financially viable operation. The goal is approximately 2000 household memberships.
If it is successful in reaching its membership targets, the Carlingwood Mall Y will open in early 2014. If the targets are not reached, plans will not move forward.
Many area residents are already expressing support for the new Carlingwood Mall Y.