Grand Opening of Greater Bergen County YMCA - New Milford Center

NEW MILFORD, NJ — The Greater Bergen County YMCA - New Milford Center is inviting the community to celebrate the long-awaited grand opening of this new location along with the Y’s annual Healthy Kids Day® on Saturday, April 30, from 12-3 p.m. A ribbon cutting will be held at 1 p.m. with Mayor Michael Putrino and borough officials.

The new Y facility, located in the former Ascension Church School at 1092 Carnation Dr., opened to the public on April 4 with youth sports and group fitness classes. The child care center is anticipated to open in early May to preschool age children and day camps will run from June to August. The Greater Bergen County Y continues to operate its School Age Child Care programs in Hackensack schools.

“We’re thrilled to expand the Y’s mission to the New Milford community. Our staff team has worked hard to transform empty space into a place where individuals and families can improve their health and well-being, and children can come to learn, play, and grow in child care, make memories at summer camp, develop skills in a sport they love, and realize their full potential,” said Glenn MacAfee, Executive Director of the Greater Bergen County YMCA - New Milford Center. “We’re grateful for the Church of the Ascension and the Newark Archdiocese for their support and being champions for our success, and we look forward to being partners in service to the larger community.”

“The YMCA being right next door is a win-win for all,” said the Rev. James T. Brown, Pastor at the Church of the Ascension. “Our parish members and local residents will be able to enjoy the Y’s activities and programs, and more people will realize the church is here in town. The Y will greatly enhance New Milford’s appeal to families outside of the immediate area as well."

“Just like the YMCA, New Milford values health and wellness and opportunities for children to thrive. The Y will be an asset to our community, and I look forward to seeing the smiles on the faces of children who will benefit from Y programs like child care, sports and camp, and this positive partnership between the borough and the Y going forward," said Mayor Putrino.

The child care center would immediately be open to ages 2-and-a-half to 5, and anticipates opening to younger children in early 2023. In addition to child care classrooms, the new building’s rooms and amenities include a gymnasium and basketball court, and outdoor recreation field. The Y will not offer traditional memberships but adults and families can purchase packages of group fitness classes or sign up for “drop-in” classes like Family ZumbaⓇ, SMILE for seniors, Yoga, and Tai Chi.
Registration is open for fitness classes, youth sports programs, and summer camps. To learn more about Greater Bergen County YMCA - New Milford Center, visit www.metroymcas.org/newmilfordcenter or call 973-758-9039.

Healthy Kids Day
Along with its Grand Opening, the Y will celebrate Health Kids Day on April 30. Healthy Kids Day encourages families to take a moment to help kids be kids and set them up for a summer of success. Sponsored nationally by Howard Johnson® by Wyndham, the day-long event will feature activities such as games, youth sports and fitness class demonstrations, STEAM activities, inflatables, a DJ and music, chances to win prizes, local vendors, snacks and giveaways, and more to motivate and teach families how to develop and maintain healthy routines at home.

“At the Y, we believe in the potential of all children and each day we work to help kids find that potential within themselves,” said MacAfee. “Healthy Kids Day is a fun, free community-wide event to kick off summer and remind us all how important it is for kids to stay active physically and mentally throughout the summer.”

Celebrating its 30th anniversary in 2022, Healthy Kids Day is the Y’s national initiative to improve health and well-being for kids and families. The Y hopes to use the day to get more kids moving and learning, creating healthy habits they can continue while they’re away from the classroom.

Locally, Healthy Kids Day is sponsored by Berkeley College, NY Life Insurance, and North Jersey Entertainment. For more information and to RSVP to attend, contact the Y at 973-758-9039 or visit metroymcas.org/hkd.

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ABOUT THE Y

Established in 1885, the Metropolitan YMCA of the Oranges invests in its diverse communities to promote wellness, safety and quality of life for children, adults and seniors. Its seven branches in East Orange, Livingston, Maplewood, Hackensack, Hardyston, Stillwater and Wayne are committed to nurturing the potential of kids, promoting healthy living and fostering a sense of social responsibility through an array of programs. Some 35,000 people belong to the Metro Y, which awards more than $2.8 million annually in direct and indirect financial assistance.

About Howard Johnson® by Wyndham
Ice cream. Family vacations. Happiness. For nearly a century, Howard Johnson® by Wyndham has played a special role in helping generations of families create memories that last a lifetime. That tradition continues today thanks to nearly 300 Howard Johnson hotels worldwide. Offering a wide range of amenities—all chosen to help create happy, memorable stays—guests at most locations enjoy free Wi-Fi, swimming pools, pet friendly rooms and more. Howard Johnson is proud to be an official sponsor of the Y’s Healthy Kids Day® and is committed to helping communities stay active, make memories and have fun. To learn more, or to book your next stay, visit www.hojo.com. You can also like us on Facebook and follow us on Instagram. Go Happy. Go HoJo.