Eric Linde, representing the YMCA board of directors, gave an update to Honesdale Borough Council on July 22 on plans to eventually relocate the Wayne County YMCA to a new, larger facility they plan to build in Cherry Ridge Township about three miles from the present location at 105 Park Street.
More room for programs, including an indoor swimming pool, is foreseen.
Contacted later for additional information, Paul Edwards, co-chairperson of the steering committee set up in 2022 for this project, said that Wayne Memorial Health Foundation is donating 20 acres along Spinner Road a short distance off Lake Ariel Highway/Route 191. This is half of the 40 acres of former farmland Wayne Memorial Health Foundation purchased in 2001 for $344,084.
The other 20 acres is intended for the Agricultural Innovation Center being planned by Wayne County.
Edwards stressed that the facility is still under design, and they are not at the point to launch a fundraising campaign. They have so far expended almost a million dollars in state grant money for civil engineering and building design. He also said they do not have an estimate of when it might be opened, or an estimate of the final project costs.
The Wayne County YMCA was organized in 1961 and has been at the former National Guard armory at 105 Park Street since 1980. The National Guard moved to its present armory three years earlier, and the borough was using the facility for community recreational activities when a lease arrangement was made with the Y. In 1986, the property was turned over to the Wayne County YMCA.
Edwards said that discussions started a couple of years ago about the need for an expanded facility, and the committee, referred to as the board of trustees, was formed. He said that it has been very difficult for the YMCA to continue to maintain the present facility, which dates from 1911, and to have adequate room to add the programs they wish to provide the public. "Not in the least of which is an indoor pool," he said.
The YMCA will be moving from a 0.23-acre lot to a parcel spanning 20 acres.
Edwards stated that it is "a great site," central to Wayne County. Subdivision approval for this project has already been obtained from Cherry Ridge Township. He said they are working with the county on how they can save costs by jointly cooperating on a needed extension of central sewer, water and gas utilities.
They have hired an engineer and architect. The preliminary design of the building is complete, Edwards said. The about 50,000-square-foot facility, in addition to an indoor public swimming pool, will feature a daycare and expanded space for exercise and other recreational activities.
Ample parking and fields for outdoor recreation are foreseen.
Their funding so far, close to $1 million, came from three local banks. The Dime Bank, Honesdale National Bank and Wayne Bank each donated a portion. This was twice, in 2022 and in 2024, through the Department of Community and Economic Development under the Neighborhood Assistance Program, a tax credit program. Each of the banks received a 75% tax credit in return.
To cover the remainder of the costs, he said the YMCA will need state and federal grants and fundraising.
He said that they have good support from their legislators.
Edwards and Paul Meagher are jointly chairing the board of trustees.
At the council meeting, Linde said that the transfer of the parcel is next. He added, "We have all three school districts on board, and we'd like to have Honesdale Borough on board with us." He invited the council to give input on what they want to see and to appoint two or three council members to serve as liaison.
"Very dear to my heart is the swimming pool," Linde said. He said they think they can assist the borough with lifeguards. The YMCA presently makes use of the outdoor borough pool, which closes before the summer season is over when lifeguards go back to college.
Councilor James Hamill asked what would become of the former armory where the YMCA is presently. Linde replied that it would be sold.
Peter Becker has worked at the Tri-County Independent or its predecessor publications since 1994. Reach him at pbecker@tricountyindependent.com or 570-253-3055 ext. 1588.
This article originally appeared on Tri-County Independent: Wayne County YMCA planning move, expansion including indoor pool
Most Popular
Comments / 0