The Harriet and Joe Family YMCA is pleased to announce the start of a two-phase renovation plan which will provide members with a refreshed, modern experience and more opportunities for connection. By fall 2021, facility improvements will include a modernized welcome center, an intergenerational room, expanded Wellness Center, a youth Makerspace, renovated group exercise studios and an all-new outdoor pavilion. In addition, the facility completed its project to heat the outdoor swimming pool and it is now open for summer hours. This will provide opportunities for participants of all ages to take part in aquatics programming year-round.

“The Harriet and Joe Foster Family YMCA has been part of the Greater Heights community for more than 60 years. We’re excited to provide the community with an updated, state-of-the-art facility which will provide the next generation with more opportunities for gathering, connectivity and growth. It is our core mission to be purposeful and foster meaningful relationships,” said Stephen Ives, President and CEO, YMCA of Greater Houston. “We understand that many faced challenges during the pandemic and through the renovation we are aiming at restoring hope and closing the gap on isolation by creating more opportunities for the community to come together.”

Cultivating Connectivity with Dynamic Spaces

The two-phase renovation began June 14 and will last through September. During phase one, the primary area of construction will focus on the Wellness Center. The facility will add more square footage as well as additional pieces of cardiovascular and strength equipment to better serve members. To enhance the overall experience, members will be greeted upon entry to the center with a modernized look in the Welcome Center which will feature an open concept, optimal for member gathering. The space will feature bright, inviting and cool colors and spaces for building community connection.

The center will also renovate its group exercise studios and add additional equipment, providing opportunities for individuals of all ages to stay active and motivated with a wide variety of classes designed for every fitness level.

Utilizing technology to create opportunities for enrichment, the facility will transform a designated area into a “Makerspace.” The YMCA’s unique Makerspace is an area specified to provide youth the opportunity to design, create, explore, learn, collaborate, discover and invent. Content in the Makerspace will rotate seasonally with new and interesting activity options.

Additionally, a new intergenerational room will serve as an area for a wide variety of activities catered to all age groups.

Collaborative Community Outdoor Space

The unique and innovative outdoor pavilion will be new for the facility and will feature an open, welcoming and adaptable multi-purpose court for outdoor group exercise, basketball, pickleball and other sports. The turf pavilion will help the community thrive and cultivate confidence through participation in programs.

The YMCA of Greater Houston has served the Houston Heights area since 1919. The original Y, Northwest YMCA, was built in 1956. In 2009, the YMCA of Greater Houston renamed the center the Harriet and Joe Foster Family YMCA honoring a distinguished YMCA family. The late Joe B. Foster served as a participant, volunteer, donor and advocate for the YMCA of Greater Houston since the 1960's. His wife Harriet and son Bryan Ruez continue to carry on their family legacy with deep involvement with the YMCA. The Harriet and Joe Foster Family YMCA offers wellness opportunities, personal training, group exercise classes, outdoor swimming, Child Watch, youth sports, activities for senior citizens, outreach programs, family programs and more.

For more information about the YMCA of Greater Houston or ways to get involved, please visit www.ymcahouston.org, and follow the organization on Facebook @YMCAHouston and Instagram @YMCAHouston.