Queens Borough President Helen Marshall will make a personal inspection of a soon-to-be-opened YMCA in Ridgewood that threatened to close six years ago before she provided $1 million in capital dollars to help fund a major renovation of the century-old building.

“The long-awaited $5,685,000 renovation and expansion of the former Catalpa YMCA is now nearing completion,” said Marshall. “The Y was an important presence in this community and the funding provided much needed improvements and additional space and programs that are now expected to serve 5,000 children and adults each year,” added Borough President Marshall.



Marshall will be accompanied by Jack Lund, President and CEO of the YMCA of Greater New York. The YMCA is New York City’s largest private organization serving youth in the city.



“Helen Marshall is the reason the Ridgewood YMCA will have new life, bigger and brighter than ever before,” said Mr. Lund. “She has been a fantastic partner throughout this process, with a vision to bring a new YMCA to the kids and families of Ridgewood and Glendale.”



The Ridgewood Y is located at 69-02 64th Street (across the street from the 104th Precinct). (Take Myrtle Avenue to Fresh Pond Road and make right at 68th Avenue).



Additional funding for the Ridgewood Y was provided by the New York City Council, State Assemblywoman Cathy Nolan and former State Senator Serph Maltese.


More than six years ago, the YMCA announced that it would shut the Catalpa Y due to a combination of mounting debt and rising maintenance costs. A “Save the Y” campaign was started, and resulted in the renovation.


When completed, the building will open with all new HVAC systems, an enclosed courtyard and expanded space for childcare programs. In addition, modernizations have been made to after-school and summer camp programs, cardiovascular and exercise space and a gymnasium.


Working with local schools, the Ridgewood YMCA’s Early Childhood Education Center will provide full-day child care service

The refurbished Y will also serve as a community center for the 175,000 residents living in the area.

Since coming into office, Marshall has also provided funding for the Cross Island Y, the Jamaica and the Flushing branches.



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