PITTSFIELD, Mass. - The Berkshire Family YMCA is putting some finishing touches on their renovations. It’s the first time they’ve redone the building which dates back to 1909.

They say in the past, they’ve always had to adapt to the space, but now they’re able to adapt the space to the needs of their community.

What You Need To Know

  • The YMCA Pittsfield Branch has undergone major renovations which took 14 months to complete

  • The Berkshire Family YMCA is finishing up the fourth and final phase of its $12.4 million renovations

  • The final stage involves meeting American Disabilities Act standards and finishing up things like stairways and locker rooms 

  • Planning stages for the project began in 2017 with a groundbreaking in November 2021

From the early education and childcare wing to the new basketball court and walking track, community members are saying they love the new look of the Berkshire Family YMCA.

“The floor is great, the place is great," Jim Schwarz said. "It’s a very soft floor which is really good on your knees. And lots of guys here, which is fun, of all ages.”

Schwarz recently turned 70 and is happy to be back playing in the open gym pickup basketball games at the Y.

“It’s great being back here because I haven’t played since 2020,” Schwarz said.

Above the new court is an elevated indoor walking track, which branch director Kayle McNeice said was built with the Berkshires’ long winters in mind. She said she’s enjoyed seeing people using the upgrades.

“This is something that is better than even I anticipated, just being able to welcome people in, everybody in," McNeice said. "Now seeing people get into the routines and habits and find what works for them is really exciting.”

Executive director Jessica Rumlow said finding what works for the community became a priority during the pandemic and the 14 months of renovation.

“What we realized during COVID was the work that the YMCA does is instrumental for this community and critical in times of need,” Rumlow said.

The needed improvements to the historic building received help from Pittsfield’s Community Preservation Act and now, Rumlow said it’s something their community is proud of.

“It’s still a historic building," Rumlow said. "It still has all of its fun quirks and character, but it is a fresh new space that everybody’s proud of, proud to be a member of, proud to send their children to our childcare programs and proud to work here. And so, it’s just been a really fun and exciting time.”