Florence Bank has pledged $100,000 toward the expansion of the Hampshire Regional YMCA.
The pledge was made as part of the YMCA’s campaign to raise $1.5 million to expand its program space by developing an open-air gymnasium, the bank said in a statement.
So far, $361,000 has been pledged to the project, Julie Bianco, CEO of the YMCA, said in the statement. The YMCA expects to break ground in the spring, and the project will evolve over several years as more funds are raised.
The YMCA’s leadership team worked with Berkshire Design Group to research and design the project, which has been approved by the Northampton Zoning Board of Appeals. Keiter Builders will be the contractor.
The outdoor gymnasium and other improvements are intended for both children and adults.
Before the pandemic, the YMCA planned to create more indoor space for programming. Once the pandemic started, classes were held outdoors in a parking lot, Bianco said.
“Then we began researching other ways to expand our program space outdoors and came upon the idea of an airnaseum,” she said. “That concept is popular in warmer climates and is getting more popular in the Northeast. We have a wonderful property here, and people still want to exercise outside.”
Florence Bank President and CEO Matt Garrity said in the statement he is “thrilled” to support the YMCA’s campaign.
“At Florence Bank, we like to take care of the community and help where help is needed,” Garrity said. “We were founded in 1873 on the principle of neighbors helping neighbors, and 150 years later, we still see that as our primary mission. We keep our focus on the customers, the community and our employees.”
Florence Bank and the YMCA have a long partnership, and bank employees sit on various YMCA committees.
“For a community to thrive, we need places like the Y, where people can make social connections and take care of their health and wellness,” Bianco said. “You see all ages, demographics and backgrounds together at the Y. We’re a reflection of our community, and the reason we’re here is to bring people together. For a community to be healthy, we need that, and Florence Bank understands our mission.”
