The Lakewood YMCA -- saved from closure after a battle by nearby residents and members to keep the community center open, and spared after county government and Durham Public Schools agreed to buy and upfit the center to become a Montessori magnet middle school in addition to a Y -- has set its closure date for renovation.
A letter sent to Durham YMCA members lists August 16 at 5:00pm as the closure date. The Y will spend a few weeks removing equipment before hazmat abatement begins on October 1.
Construction will gear up early in 2010, with the Y expecting to reopen in their smaller space within the complex later that year. The new DPS middle school will open in early 2011.
To compensate, Durham Y members will get a free upgrade to allow them to use any Triangle YMCA facilities, including those in Wake Co., effective Aug. 17. The Durham YMCAs downtown and at American Tobacco will also be open to Lakewood members, with the downtown Y getting more locker space and an expanded men's steam room in advance of the change.
A member meeting on July 21 at 6:30pm at the Lakewood Y will be held to answer questions; a cookout for members will also be held on Aug. 11 at 6:00pm "to celebrate the past and future of the Lakewood YMCA" and to recognize the retirement of a long-serving staff member.
Really excited about the potential of the new Y and the pending middle school. Hope all goes smoothly with the renovations and work.
Posted by: krellpw | June 24, 2009 at 09:48 AM