Cambridge neighbourhood association to add gyms, offices at McIntosh arena

$3-million renovation in basement offers more rec space

CAMBRIDGE — The Kinbridge Community Association is getting a new home by the end of the year.

The neighbourhood association group will be moving to the bottom floor of the Duncan McIntosh Arena, which will be newly renovated and accessible. The new space will triple the actual space available to the association.

“We are so thrilled,” said Joe-Ann McComb, Kinbridge’s executive director.

The total renovation project is estimated at about $3 million. At least $1.35 million will be fundraised by the association, McComb said.

McComb said she’s optimistic the money will be raised. The city will also contribute funds.

The first group to publicly announce their $100,000 donation was the Cowan Foundation.

“This donation kick-starts our fundraising,” she said.

The new space will have a community room, updated kitchen, offices, meeting rooms and two gymnasiums for youth and children’s activities in one location.

“The new location will reduce isolation and make people feel like they belong,” she said.

Two other locations in housing complexes on Champlain Boulevard and Southwood Drive will still be maintained, she said.

Currently, the neighbourhood association has offices on the second floor of the Duncan McIntosh Arena and space in local schools is also used.

The association serves about 22,000 people in the areas of south Cambridge in the Christopher Champlain and Southwood neighbourhoods.

The neighbourhood association, which has been in operation for 20 years, offers get-ready-for-school programs, a youth drop-in, yoga classes, sports nights, nutritional cooking groups, community gardening and summer camps.