The new look of the Darien YMCA, which is holding a ceremony to celebrate its formal reopening in September.
After undergoing $9 million in extensive renovations for almost 18 months, a ribbon cutting ceremony will be held on Saturday, Sept. 15 at the Darien YMCA.
The ceremony will take place at 10 a.m, with CBS anchor Rob Morrison serving as master of ceremonies. Also expected to attend are First Selectman Jayme Stevenson, State Rep. Terrie Wood, Senator Bob Duff, and YMCA Executive Director Pat Morrissey.
The day will include pony rides, bouncy house, music, magic and more.
The Darien YMCA has worked in direct compliance with the governor’s green energy platform, to make the new Darien YMCA facility as “green” as possible.
The new Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design-qualifying facility features a cogeneration system. It uses one fuel source, natural gas, to simultaneously produce both heat and electricity.
This results in reduced greenhouse gas emissions and a reduced carbon footprint, less contribution to the acid rain phenomenon and a reduced demand on the local overtaxed and aging power grid.
Among many other changes made are:
• Energy efficient electrical fixtures
• High energy efficient exterior building envelope including windows and a reflective roof
• High efficiency mechanical heating & cooling systems.
• Regionally sourced recyclable materials
• Daylight dimming lighting controls
In March 2011, the Darien YMCA broke ground on a $9 million renovation which has completely transformed the facility.
The renovation was born out of a need to address a general state of disrepair, especially with the Holly Pond nursery school which was originally constructed in 1927, and to bring our gymnastics program on site.
The state of the building did not match the YMCA’s values and commitment to youth development, healthy living and social responsibility.
The new facility features a brand new nursery school, an 11,000 square foot state of the art gymnastics facility, enhanced space for after school and special needs programming and upgraded member facilities including new locker rooms.
