As our community has grown and changed, the West Essex Y’s programs have evolved. Our facility, built more than 50 years ago, is not able to keep up with the needs of our members or our growing community. Our building is not flexible to host a variety of programs throughout the day, nor do we have enough space to meet program demand.
After studies revealed that renovations would not be enough to address these challenges, the Y purchased a six-acre parcel across the street from our current building.
54,000-square-foot facility (the current facility is 24,000 square feet)
Wellness Center
12,000-square-foot Wellness Center (the current wellness center is 3,500)
Group Exercise
Multiple spaces for group exercise
Child Watch Area
A space you can feel safe leaving your child at while you workout.
Community Kitchen
The new facility will include a Community Kitchen for education and more.
Outdoor Field
A new outdoor field will provide space for summer camps, sports, youth enrichment programs, and more.
Airnasium
A space for outdoor exercise and functional movement
Indoor Track
Indoor walk/running track
Aquatics Center
An enhanced Aquatics Center will feature two pools and a splash pad to provide expanded therapeutic programs, swim lessons, aquatic wellness programs, and family recreation.
HERE TOGETHER.
In order to build this $32 million state-of-the-art facility, the Y needs your help. Together with our corporate partners, the Town of Livingston, the State of New Jersey, the Federal Government and people just like you, we can achieve this ambitious goal and change the future of our community.
For any inquiries about the new facility please email Dan P. Elwell, Sr., Chief Development Officer, or call at 973-758-9622 x1120.
We’ve outgrown our current facility and space, and renovations will not be enough to address the challenges we face. With this purchase, we’ll have the space we need to build a brand new, state-of-the-art Y and meet the health and wellness and youth programming needs of the community for many years to come.
Groundbreaking is scheduled for the first quarter of 2025 with an anticipated opening in the fall of 2026.
This new facility will be located at 304 S. Livingston Ave., on the property of the former Grace Lutheran Church, within walking distance of the current Y.
54,000-square-foot facility (the current facility is 24,000 square feet)
12,000-square-foot Wellness Center (the current wellness center is 3,500)
Multiple spaces for group exercise
Airnasium for outdoor exercise and functional movement
Indoor walk/running track.
An enhanced Aquatics Center will feature two pools (a 6-lane 25-yard lap pool and a warm-water pool) and a splash pad to provide expanded therapeutic programs, swim lessons, aquatic wellness programs, and family recreation.
3 locker rooms (men's, women's, and universal with private changing areas)
Child Watch area
A new outdoor field will provide space for summer camps, sports, youth enrichment programs, and more.
The new facility will also include a Community Kitchen for education and more.
250 parking spaces (more than double our current parking spaces)
We do not have any plans at this time to close the current Y before the new building is constructed. We will continue to operate and strengthen the foundation of our communities.
It will not be an inexpensive project, but we consider this a long-term investment in our community. The funds for this project will come out of our Capital Budget and we will be fundraising to support this project. We estimate the cost to be $32M.
Membership rates are reviewed annually, and adjustments are made to reflect cost of living increases but remain affordable. We do not anticipate any immediate changes to rates for West Essex Y members. We remain dedicated to enhancing the services and programs we offer to our members. We will be transparent in our communication about any impacts to membership as the project progresses.
We want this building to be relevant in the community and incorporate programs and amenities that are important to those we serve. We value the involvement of our members, donors, volunteers, and staff. To learn ways you can give input or support the project, please talk with our executive director.
We understand there will be concerns about traffic flow and our initial plans have been crafted with the surrounding neighborhoods in mind. We want to preserve the quality of life for residents as much as possible, and we will continue to work closely with Township planning officials as we develop our final plans.
As a part of this community, the Y takes the concerns of residents seriously. If you have a concern, you can speak with our executive director or the township.
At this time, there are no immediate impacts to staff. As a Y, we are dedicated to providing greater opportunities to the communities we serve while maximizing our resources. Decisions to add additional staff positions will be determined through an ongoing review of local needs, programs and services.
Decisions will be guided by input from our executive leadership team, Board of Managers, staff, members, and the community, with ongoing stakeholder feedback. The Y will continue serving its defined community while staying committed to youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility.
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