Rush, Coppinger Fight for $500,000 for West Roxbury YMCA Expansion & Renovation

State Sen. Mike Rush and state Rep. Ed Coppinger were able to secure $500,000 for the West Roxbury/Roslindale YMCA expansion and improvement project in the upcoming Massachusetts state budget. 

During recent budget deliberations, the Senate accepted Rush’s amendment, D-Norfolk/Suffolk, to include funding to assist in the renovation and expansion of the YMCA on Centre Street. With the backing and assistance of Rep. Ed Coppinger, D-West Roxbury, was able to assist Rush's lead through the conference committee to include the funding in its report.

The Massachusetts House of Representatives and Senate have approved the budget, but deliberations with Governor Deval Patrick continue on the overall budget. 

“This funding is a huge victory for the expansion and renovation project at the West Roxbury YMCA,” said Rush about the funding that is expected to be in the '14 fiscal year budget. “It is an uncommon achievement to secure funding for such a project through the state budget during these difficult economic times. Rep. Coppinger and I were able to demonstrate that the YMCA project not only impacts the residents of West Roxbury and Roslindale, but also the city of Boston as a whole. This funding is a big boost to an already successful public-private endeavor.”

"I am excited to announce this funding for our local YMCA. Senator Rush led the charge and I applaud him for his leadership. The Parkway community has stepped up and raised a substantial amount of money on their own and I am proud to say that we convinced the State to chip in at the end. The West Roxbury/Roslindale YMCA is such a vital part of our community and their success benefits us all,” said Coppinger.

The YMCA expansion and renovation will include improved handicap access, new programs including enhanced fitness classes for senior citizens, such as a peddling-against-Parkinson program and an aquatic arthritis program. The West Roxbury YMCA serves the largest senior citizen population in the city, according to the YMCA.

Renovations will also include a dedicated space for teenagers and new programming centered on SAT prep, a leader’s club, youth and government programs, expanded babysitting space, and other after-school programs.

In recent months YMCA and community leaders have taken to calling the West Roxbury YMCA, the West Roxbury/Roslindale YMCA, to attract more Roslindale residents. The West Roxbury/Roslindale YMCA serves more than 7,000 members and is projecting 10,000 members after renovations are complete.  

“This feels like a windfall,” says Marion Kelly, executive director of the YMCA in West Roxbury. “We’ve had plans for so many programs and facilities that will quickly and profoundly enhance the quality of life for so many people in our community - young, old, sick well, and financially sound or struggling. This funding will bring our plans to life. I speak for thousands in our community when I say how very grateful we are to the Commonwealth, as well as Senator Rush’s and Rep. Coppinger’s leadership and support in helping to move this forward.”