Update as of June 27:
The renovation of the YMCA REACH Center at Winston Lake is beginning and we want to share some additional information with you. In early planning, we were determined to sustain operations through the early stages of construction, so that we could provide a seamless transition from the branch to a temporary facility in the community. We received word that one of our contractors was prepared to begin work much earlier than anticipated and if we were unready, it would be months before we were able to schedule with them again, delaying the overall construction timeline.
It became necessary for us to pivot and accelerate our plans for the transition. We began our search for temporary facilities in April, and while the search has ultimately been fruitful, it was complex and slow. The uncertainty that has surrounded this element of the renovation process was unfortunate and frustrating for all, and we are thrilled that it is now resolved.
We are happy that as we prepare to suspend operations at the branch on July 1, we have a great partnership with Greater Community Missionary Baptist Church enabling us to continue offering our Silver Sneakers, Group Exercise, and Active Older Adults classes and events in our community and with the community built at Winston Lake.
At this time, Group Exercise classes, except for cycle, will be relocated to:
Greater Community Missionary Baptist Church
4616 Baux Mountain Road
Winston-Salem, NC 27105
Beginning July 8, Group Exercise classes will continue at their current scheduled times at the new location. If you would like to continue taking cycle classes, please consult the class schedule at another of the YMCA of NWNC locations.
Wellness equipment and aquatic offerings will also be available at any of the other YMCA of NWNC locations. Please consult our hours of operation.
As a reminder, if you have a locker rental, please be sure to remove all items from your locker by June 29.
The REACH Center Summer Learning Academy (SLA) will relocate to the Fulton Family YMCA beginning July 1. Transportation from East Winston will continue to be provided as it has been in the prior weeks of the program.
Additional information is available on the YMCA of NWNC website and by opting in to the REACH Center construction updates email list here.
If you are interested in a conversation about this process with a member of the Y staff, feel free to contact us.
Update as of June 25:
We are excited to announce that construction on the YMCA REACH Center at Winston Lake will begin on July 1, 2024! This is an exciting milestone in the history of this branch and for the East Winston community.
As previously shared, construction operations will require a temporary suspension of services at the YMCA REACH Center until the project is completed. This temporary suspension will begin on July 1, 2024. On this date, and until the building reopens, all wellness, membership, youth development, and aquatics operations will relocate to temporary facilities or, as always, be available to you at another of the YMCA of Northwest North Carolina facilities.
The current Group Exercise schedule will be temporarily suspended for the week of July 1 and will resume on Monday, July 8.
An additional communication with further information concerning the relocation of any operation to temporary facilities will be sent in the coming week.
If you have a locker rental, please be sure to remove all items from your locker by June 29.
The REACH Center Summer Learning Academy (SLA) will relocate to the Fulton Family YMCA beginning July 1.
Additional information is available below and by opting in to the REACH Center construction updates email list here.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the timeline for construction?
We anticipate work on the roof and HVAC systems to begin mid-June. Total time to complete all renovations is estimated to be 8-10 months.
Will construction require temporary closure of the facility?
While roof and preliminary HVAC work begins, the facility overall will remain open with various areas closing for safety purposes. When plumbing replacement begins, the building will need to close temporarily for 6-8 months.
What is the plan for group exercise and SilverSneakers® classes during construction?
We are in the process of identifying neighborhood-based venues for the relocation of group exercise and SilverSneakers® classes that will enable us to offer as many classes as possible, along with additional activities for our Active Older Adults (Lunch and Learns, birthday celebrations, etc.), during the construction period.
What about the whirlpool, sauna and steam room?
While not included in this first phase of work, there is movement towards raising additional funds to move either the sauna, steam room, or both, to the pool deck. Their location is a matter of member safety. On the pool deck, there will be a lifeguard available to monitor and ensure everyone’s safety. The whirlpool will not be an available amenity.
Will there still be a pool?
Yes! The pool is an important asset in this community and will remain part of the building and our programming.
What other branches are available?
Members have access to any Y in the YMCA of Northwest North Carolina association. Depending on your needs and desires, multiple branches may be a good fit for you. Visit ymcanwnc.org for more information on other Y locations and ymcanwnc.org/schedules to check class schedules. You can also download the YMCA of NWNC app and check the class schedule there.
Nearby Y locations include:
Jerry Long Family YMCA
Kernersville Family YMCA
Robinhood Road Family YMCA
William G. White, Jr. Family YMCA
How much wellness and programming space will remain when partners move into the REACH Center?
Renovations will increase the amount of wellness and programming space at the REACH Center. The wellness center will remain in its current location and will get a new ceiling and fresh paint. The group exercise room will remain in the same place and the gym will also receive fresh paint and refinished flooring. Programming space will remain in the multipurpose room adjacent to the playground and upstairs. Racquetball courts will become one room available for both group exercise and other programming.
How will we receive updates during construction?
This website will always be the best source of information. We are also working on a bi-weekly email that you can opt-in to receive (click here). We will provide multiple ways to reach out for updates and information regarding the progress of the branch, alternative locations and more. You can also send your questions via email: memberservice@ymcanwnc.org.
How did the idea of the REACH Center come about?
Sustainability, from all aspects, was the driving focus of the REACH Center. As the building ages and concerns for the effectiveness of the branch in a traditional membership model were considered, conversations about community collaboration and an expansive service model became a way to provide security for the ongoing service of the Winston Lake Y in the East Winston community.
How have you received input from the community?
We engaged an independent consultant to survey the community and established a Community Advisory Board.
