Red Bank YMCA $2M Renovation Complete

There’s just one thing missing from the completely renovated : an inch of wasted space.

When the Y decided it needed to reintroduce its flagship Monmouth County facility to the public with a multi-million dollar revamp, an emphasis was placed on filling the three-story building with as many amenities and services as possible. On a quick tour of the Maple Avenue facility, it’s hard to find something they missed.

“The renovation [represents] renewed commitment to families and our community,” said Andrea Plaza, the Y’s vice president of communications and collaborations. “We broke down a lot of walls to open this place up. We’ve tried to use every space as creatively as possible.”

During its grand reopening October 15, families from throughout the county stopped in to take a tour and see the result of nine months of work. For some it was a first glimpse at a community mainstay they might have overlooked for years, but for many visitors over the weekend, however, it was an affirmation of the Y’s insistence of living up to its title as a full health and wellness facility.

In the lobby, Plaza pointed out, there’s a coffee bar. On the other side is a children’s playroom where the Y offers all-day babysitting service for parents working out or taking a class. Down the hall is a new pool observation room and around the corner is a kid’s workout center, complete with brightly colored walls and downsized weights and cardio equipment.

There are new studios that offer everything from yoga to spinning and a specialized no-pressure workout room dedicated to people who are interested in getting healthy but may be intimidated by the more seasoned among us.

And, of course, there’s Wi-Fi, too.

In all, the renovations cost the Y approximately $2 million, Plaza said. And, the members have taken notice.

Since moving to New Jersey about five years ago, Dee Kaplan has made visits to the Community Y an almost daily occurrence. The 72-year-old Eatontown resident counts spinning, Zumba, and belly dancing among some of the classes she takes regularly. That’s in addition to her regular workout, of course.

But, Kaplan is just one of three generations of her family who come to the Red Bank Y. Her daughter and grandchildren are also members here.

“I think it caters to all ages,” she said. “The instructors are great. They individualize everything. Even if they’re leading a class and doing crazy things they help you do what you can.”

Though the renovations are needed to help keep the Y not only up to date, but ahead of the health and wellness curve, Plaza said what really sells the Y to its members is the personal service.

Everyone who comes feels welcome, she said.

“They feel like when they come to the Y they are home,” she said. “There’s a very big family focus here and we cater to people of all ages and all incomes.”

To learn more about the Community YMCA or to learn how you can become a member, visit the website at www.​cymca.​org