Rockaways YMCA at Arverne by the Sea
New York, NY
In March 2014, the YMCA of Greater New York celebrated the grand opening of the 44,000 sq. ft. Rockaways YMCA at Arverne by the Sea in the Rockaways, a 117-acre developing oceanfront community. This new facility features the largest aquatic center of any of the Y’s 24 citywide branches.
The facility includes two indoor pools, ball courts, gymnasium, day camps and school-age childcare services, geared toward providing strong leadership by bringing a sense of community, offering classes and programs that support growth in spirit, mind and body.
Counsilman-Hunsaker was retained as the lead aquatic designer for the center’s indoor swimming pools comprised of:
2,300 sq. ft. Competition Pool
- Four 25-yard lap lanes
- Stair entry
- Starting blocks
1,700 sq. ft. Leisure Pool
- Waterslide
- Children’s play feature
- Bubblers
- Zero depth entry
Like many of New York City’s coastal communities, the Rockaways were recovering from the devastating effects of Superstorm Sandy. The new YMCA branch faced construction setbacks after the storm battered the neighborhood of Far Rockaway, but after a slight delay the center opened to an enthusiastic welcome from the community, creating hundreds of new jobs in the neighborhood.
