Stamford YMCA, Established In 1868, To Permanently Close

STAMFORD, CT — After serving the community for nearly 160 years, the Stamford YMCA will permanently close, according to a notice posted on the YMCA's website.

The Stamford YMCA Board of Directors said operations at 10 Bell St. will close no later than March 31.

The notice cited the COVID-19 pandemic as a contributing factor, along with reduced membership and declining public funds for after-school care — "a combination of obstacles too great" for the facility to continue.

"We have been a proud member of the Stamford community for over 150 years. Unfortunately, as a result of declining revenues and escalating expenses it was a clear decision that the operations were financially unsustainable," said YMCA Board Treasurer Peter Wieland in the notice.

YMCA Board Chair Paul Macari thanked the community for its support.

"We'd like to thank all our members, donors, and employees for their devoted sponsorship of the YMCA over all these years."

However, Macari told the Stamford Advocate that the Y services are still likely to exist in a different model in the future, perhaps through partnerships with other organizations in the city.

In an Instagram post late last month, the Stamford YMCA said members will be able to transition their memberships to other area YMCAs.

Several Fairfield YMCAs have agreed to honor Stamford membership rates for three months. Additionally, financial aid will also be available after the initial three-month period.

Members can sign up at the Darien YMCA, Greenwich YMCA, Riverbrook Regional YMCA (Wilton), New Canaan YMCA, and the Westport YMCA (limited accommodations until May 23).

The pool has already been shut down, and other services will close in the coming weeks.

Amenities at the YMCA included an aerobics center, computer lab, fitness center and multi-purpose room, the YMCA website notes.

The building also featured a gym, handball and racquetball courts, an indoor running track, sauna, weight room and teen center.