Light Rain Fog/Mist 45°

SHARE

Bridgeport Y Switches Focuses To Kids Only, Ends Adult Memberships

BRIDGEPORT, Conn. -- The Bridgeport YMCA will discontinue services for adult members and focus solely on serving the city's children due to budget difficulties, according to an announcement from District Executive Director Tim Bartlett.

Tim Bartlett, district executive director of Central Connecticut Coast YMCA, said the Bridgeport YMCA will end services to adults due to budget constraints.

Tim Bartlett, district executive director of Central Connecticut Coast YMCA, said the Bridgeport YMCA will end services to adults due to budget constraints.

 Photo Credit: Meredith Guinness
Tom Renner

The areas within the Y that served adults — the wellness center, adult locker rooms, and all areas on the upper floors — will be closed. The swimming pool will be designated for youth use only.

Bartlett said the Y made the decision after months of research, discussion, and exploration of alternatives. 

“Y volunteer and staff leaders fully understand the impact of these actions and I want to assure you that they are being taken with the greatest of care and concern for those affected,'' Bartlett said. 

The YMCA leadership hopes fiscal conditions improve and will allow the organization to reinstitute programs for adults, he said.

In a message to YMCA members, Central Connecticut Coast YMCA President and CEO David Stevenson reported that the Y has experienced mounting financial pressures due to reductions in state support and increases in fixed expenses.

“Volunteer and staff leaders have worked diligently to raise new funds, maximize revenues, find new efficiencies, and reduce expenses, but these actions have not been enough to offset the growing deficit,'' Stevenson said. He also reported that new state and federally mandated wage increases add additional challenges.

All Ys in the U.S. focus on the core areas of youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. As a charitable, not-for-profit, community service organization, the YMCA develops and implements bold strategic plans to guide its work in making measurable differences in the lives of kids and families.

Bartlett said the Y serves more than 1,700 children in developing character, teaching kids how to swim and be safe around the water, and closing the education achievement gap in urban communities.

Y members are welcome at any YMCA in New England or at the eight Central Connecticut Coast Y membership locations: 

  • Alpha Community Services YMCA, 387 Clinton Ave., Bridgeport
  • Bridgeport YMCA, 850 Park Ave., Bridgeport
  • Fairfield YMCA, 841 Old Post Road, Fairfield
  • Hamden/North Haven, YMCA 1605 Sherman Ave., Hamden
  • Lakewood-Trumbull YMCA 20 Trefoil Drive, Trumbull
  • New Haven YMCA Youth Center, 52 Howe St., New Haven
  • Ralphola Taylor Community Center YMCA, 790 Central Ave., Bridgeport
  • Soundview Family YMCA, 628 E. Main St., Branford
  • Stratford YMCA, 3045 Main St., Stratford

to follow Daily Voice Westport and receive free news updates.

SCROLL TO NEXT ARTICLE