NEWS INFORMATION FROM

THE OFFICE OF MAYOR STEPHEN R. REED
City of Harrisburg
King City Government Center
Harrisburg, PA 17101-1678
Telephone: 717.255.3040

FOR IMMEDIATE USE
24 October 2005

$1.7 MILLION IN NEW UPGRADES AND RENOVATIONS CELEBRATED AT CAMP CURTIN YMCA IN UPTOWN HARRISBURG

Mayor Stephen R. Reed and State Representative Ronald I. Buxton(D-103rd) today joined officials from the Camp Curtin YMCA to dedicate nearly $1.7 million in renovations and upgrades at the landmark Uptown recreational facility at 2135 N. 6th Street. The work has been underway since 1997.

Reed said funding for the work has been through a combination of local, state and capital campaign funds. More than $1.2 million was raised through a capital campaign fund drive conducted by the Harrisburg Area YMCA. The City of Harrisburg provided $487,500 in Community Development Block Grant funding, and State Rep. Buxton supplied a $15,000 state Legislative Initiative grant.

The Mayor said work now completed includes:

· Multiple roof systems have been installed, replacing an old and leaking roof that threatened other interior deterioration, and the HVAC system has undergone considerable upgrade.

· Major Life Safety items have been addressed, including the installation of a fire sprinkler system, new steps and railings in the stairwells, fire doors and other improvements.

· New ADA-compliant restroom facilities have been installed.

· Complete renovations to the lobby and entrance areas.

· Installation of new electronic bleachers in the gymnasium.

· New lighting has been installed in the gymnasium, pool and stage areas.

· The exterior façade has been completely cleaned, repointed and recaulked, improving both overall appearance as well as greater energy conservation.

· Windows have been replaced throughout the structure, also aiding in energy conservation efforts.

· Extensive aesthetic improvements have been made, including painting, graffiti removal, and the installation of a new marquee.

· Security fencing has been refurbished with improvements made to the 200-space parking lot.

· Creation of a new Teen Center with four television sets, PlayStations and Xboxes, and pool, ping pong, fooseball and air hockey tables.

· Renovation of the chapel/counseling area with brand new upholstered seating donated by Starbucks Corporation.

· Renovation of the former exercise equipment room into a new open room for karate, aerobics and other class instruction.

· Creation of a completely new, state-of-the-art fitness center with 16 new pieces of Cybex resistance training equipment, with a new adjacent room for treadmills and cycling machines. Both rooms are mirrored and contain large screen TVs.

“The Camp Curtin YMCA is a vital community service facility,” said Mayor Reed, “that has synergistic impact upon the community it serves on many different levels. First and foremost it provides a safe and nurturing environment for the many youth and others who participate in the programs and activities held here. This helps to keep our young people out of trouble and away from the temptations and dangers that all too often result in victimization and delinquency.

“The Camp Curtin YMCA additionally provides neighborhood and community stability, jobs for both skilled and unskilled, including many from the immediate neighborhood, and it augments city educational and recreational programming.”

Our branch currently serves 522 members and 1,359 program participants, But with new top-notch facilities and very reasonable fees, we expect those numbers to grow,” said Camp Curtin YMCA Branch Executive Director Rowland Harrison. “We want more families and individuals to see that the Camp Curtin Y is the best-kept secret in Harrisburg and join up. We are truly offering recreational and social services to every segment of the community, from youth to active older adults.”

Reed noted that the community service contributions of the Y are reflected in a pledge by the highly successful YMCA Black Achievers Program, a minority youth leadership training group housed in the Y, who have committed to adopting a vacant lot behind the nearby Camp Curtin Memorial Church for a new community garden, where they will teach younger students about urban gardening.

The Y also operates a Youth Achievers Program, Youth Basketball League, and a childcare program. Other youth programs include male and female Leadership programs, Drill Team, and Family Nights. Adults can take advantage of the cardio room, free weight room, fitness center with personal trainer, aerobics and aquatics. Both youth and adults can pursue a variety of cultural and other activities, from visual arts to karate.

State Representative Buxton added: “I was delighted to assist the Camp Curtin YMCA as it provides many returns for the relatively few dollars that are invested in it. To perform the same services through the public sector would cost many times more dollars, and it is impossible to calculate the costs in lives saved or productively engaged as a result of time well spent here at the Y.”