Canandaigua YMCA gears up for its relocation to North Street

During the transition of the Canandaigua YMCA from its Main Street site to an expanded location at 351 North St., the memories created at the original venue remain vivid to its members. Just ask Hana Smith.

From participating in parent-child classes as a young child, to participating in the YMCA’s gymnastics program as a teenager, Smith said the YMCA on Main Street held a special place in her upbringing and her adult life.

“Those are my people, where I met my best friends,” she said.

Now as a mother herself, Smith said the YMCA is still playing a key role in her life. Following the birth of her twins in 2015, she found solace and companionship through the YMCA.

“The Y has been a savior for a lot of women with kids,” she said.

As a mother, Smith gained a deeper appreciation for the YMCA’s childcare and afterschool programs, recognizing the pivotal role they play in providing a safe environment for children.

“I didn’t realize that as a child, but now as an adult and a mother, I realize the importance of that,” she said.

The Canandaigua YMCA has operated from the former Post Office site on Main Street since 1959. It closed its doors to members in July, in anticipation of the new Sands Family YMCA being built at North Street and North Bloomfield Road.

While the YMCA is shifting to a new location, Jason Gottfried, executive director of the Sands Family YMCA, said that the member experience will remain intact, along with more offerings for everyone.

“We’re being given a new palette and it’s our job to fill it,” Gottfried said. “There’s going to be so much to do in this building. It’ll be exciting every day.”

The expanded facility will include three studios for group exercise, multiple gyms — including one with turf — two pools, an indoor splash playground and other features, including on-site medical services and a licensed childcare center.

“We’re very excited for the new facility,” said John Goodwin, city manager for Canandaigua. “The new location has a daycare facility, which is much needed, not just in Canandaigua but nationally.”

Gottfried attributes this expansion to the success of the former Canandaigua YMCA over the years.

“Without the success of that, there’s no need for a new building,” he said.

The Sands Family YMCA is scheduled to open next month after Labor Day.

“It’s really right that it’s not the house that makes the home, it’s the people inside of it,” Gottfried said. “It’s up to us to bring that homey, small, cozy feel to the YMCA. That’s what people will miss the most, leaving behind old memories … but hopefully making new ones.”

“It’s up to us to bring that homey, small, cozy feel to the YMCA. That’s what people will miss the most ...”

Jason Gottfried Executive director of the Sands Family YMCA