YMCA’s ‘airnasium’ taking flight: With construction of outdoor gym underway, officials launch public fundraising phase

NORTHAMPTON — When it is completed next spring, the Hampshire Regional YMCA’s new 2,250-square-foot outdoor gymnasium, or “airnasium,” will feature exercise bikes, weight racks and a roof to protect members from the elements. But it still needs some more funding to achieve that goal.

The organization held a ceremony on Monday at its Prospect Street location to mark the beginning of construction for its outdoor gym. Although billed as a “groundbreaking” ceremony, ground had already been broken on the outdoor area where the gym will be built near the existing playground, making the ceremony more symbolic in nature.

CEO Julie Bianco that while the ceremony may seem like a minor event in the grander context of the world, it served the organization’s purpose of helping others.

“I do want to acknowledge that sometimes it’s difficult to express excitement and hope with all the violence and suffering happening in parts of our world today,” Bianco said in her remarks at the ceremony. “That’s why we strive to be a place where all can come together in peace.”

The project was conceived in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, when social distancing requirements forced many indoor activities to be moved outdoors. As YMCA leaders considered outdoor expansion ideas for their 4,500 members, they stumbled upon the idea of an “airnasium” which is already prevalent in southern areas of the country. The YMCA worked with Berkshire Design Group to research and create the project design, and engaged Keiter Corporation as the contractor.

The YMCA has raised $600,000 of its stated $1 million goal. Bianco said that the organization plans to utilize some of its savings until the rest of the money is raised.

“This [fundraising] has been more strategic so far, like asking the banks and getting ARPA funding,” she said. “So now it’s time we go to the community.”

Contributions to the fundraiser have included Florence Bank, PeoplesBank and Greenfield Savings Bank, executives of which were present at Monday’s ceremony.

“I just thought it was important to make sure that we could be part of the cause,” Greenfield Savings CEO Tom Meshako said. “After the pandemic and everything, it just seems a lot more people are caring about their health.”

The event was also attended by Northampton’s state Rep. Lindsay Sabadosa and Northampton Mayor Gina-Louise Sciarra, each of whom spoke during the ceremony.

“[The YMCA] has always been a cornerstone of our community, promoting not only physical well-being, but also fostering the spirit, mind and body of our residents,” said Sciarra, who through funds received via the American Rescue Plan Act gave $40,000 to the project on behalf of the city. “I can say that my family, like so many other families, have relied on the Y over the years, particularly when my kids were very young, not just for fun and engagement but also for mental health for parents and caregivers.”

Sabadosa said that the state has a role in supporting the YMCA, and she recalled walking through the area where the new building is located during the pandemic and seeing people exercising outside.

“It was my happy place, to see people smiling and dancing, just having a great time that was safe,” she said. “It certainly made things easier for me, and I’m just so excited that it’s now going to be permanent.”

Once the outdoor space is built, the YMCA anticipates using it not only for classes and community gathering, but also for events like its annual Healthy Kids Day and Trunk-or-Treat event. The Y also partners with organizations including Northampton Parents Center and Girls on the Run, which can also utilize the space.

The open-air gymnasium is the first of three stages of expansion and renovation at the YMCA. Future plans will involve renovating the downstairs locker rooms, lobby area and Wellness Center.

Alexander MacDougall can be reached at amacdougall@gazettenet.com.