New YMCA Looks to Revitalize Southeast Fort Wayne

   The new Renaissance Pointe YMCA in southeast Fort Wayne isn’t just another activity center. To residents, the new facility means much more.

   “It'll give us another safe haven for the little kids and the adults to have somewhere to go,” said longtime resident Foundation One.

   Foundation was shot on Pontiac Street when he was 16. He says, after that, the YMCA helped save him.

   “It gave me strength,” said Foundation. “I was starting to work out. I was starting to read. I was starting to change a whole lot about myself to make me stronger so when I came back out here in these streets, I won't be a part of the streets but a part of the solution.”

   He's happy the new YMCA has come to his neighborhood. Once it opens Monday, the facility will offer a wealth of activities to people of all ages.

   “This is going to be like a central community gathering place,” said Anthony Ridley, president of the Renaissance Pointe neighborhood. “Not only will you be able to work out, seniors will be able to come and meet and they'll have all kind of wonderful things going on here.”

   The YMCA requires a membership, but it doesn't turn away anyone who can't pay.

   “The YMCA's here to improve the quality of life,” said Marty Pastura, president and CEO of the YMCA of Greater Fort Wayne.

   City leaders also hope the new YMCA will boost nearby home sales. Several new homes just blocks away are still empty.

   “I think the fact that a YMCA is in the neighborhood will do nothing but help home sales in the neighborhood,” said John Urbahns, director of community development for the city of Fort Wayne.

   Mayor Tom Henry visited a special reception at the YMCA Friday afternoon. He promised to ask city council for funding to make the streets near the new facility more attractive.

   This all comes as good news for people who live there—a glimmer of hope in an area trying to thrive.

   “We say that we need a lot of stuff and then when we get it, we don't support it,” said Foundation One. “This is one thing that we will support.”

   The community can check out the new YMCA Saturday, November 6, during an open house from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. The address is 2323 Bowser Avenue.

   On Monday, November 8, the new Renaissance Pointe YMCA will officially open. It will be open Monday – Thursday from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m., Friday from 6 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Saturday from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.  The YMCA is closed on Sunday.