BURBANK : More Funds Sought for YMCA Expansion

A $2-million campaign to finance a second phase in the expansion of the Burbank Family YMCA will get under way May 1, even as the organization waits for the city to approve the start of construction.

The two phases of the expansion are expected to cost about $4 million, said Randy Lewis, executive director of the Burbank Family YMCA. The first $2 million for the project had been raised through a private campaign fund completed in early January.

The YMCA plans to tear down an old Baptist church and parsonage, which have belonged to the group since the 1920s and are now used for administrative offices and multipurpose rooms.

They are to be replaced by a new three-story, 30,000-square-foot building which will be attached to the main YMCA building at the corner of Magnolia Boulevard and 3rd Street.

The first $2 million will be used to construct the exterior of the building and complete the interior of the first floor. The remaining $2 million would complete the job.

The new campaign will seek large private donations from supporters of the YMCA.

The expansion project will end the competition for space between the gymnastics and basketball programs. It will also end the juggling of schedules for the use of the one pool among the aquatics programs.

The addition will include a new pool and extra room for the gymnastics programs, as well as an indoor Jacuzzi and a weight room.

The YMCA has a total membership of 4,000.

The Burbank City Council is tentatively scheduled to approve the expansion plans at its May 10 meeting. “We are hoping we are going to be able to break ground within 30 days of the City Council approval,” Lewis said.