YMCA of Greater Boston Renames "West Roxbury Y" the "Parkway Community Y"

Effective as of February 1, 2016, the West Roxbury Y will be renamed the Parkway Community Y to reflect the diverse community the branch serves around Roslindale, Jamaica Plain, and Dedham. Voted unanimously by its board of directors last December, the naming coincides with a construction project that is estimated to be complete this spring which will include a new indoor swimming pool, health and wellness center, intergenerational room and expanded Child Watch area.

“While the building may be located in West Roxbury, its former name did not tell the full story of its reach and work in the community,” says Marion Kelly, executive director of the newly named Parkway Community YMCA. “Since 95 percent of our membership base lives in what is referred to as the “Parkway” we felt that the Parkway Community Y would be more inclusive, especially given the diversity of zip codes we serve.”

To date, 56 percent of Parkway Community Y members live in other areas beyond West Roxbury. The new name will be reflected on the building front this June, during an official ribbon cutting and ceremony with Y officials and local supporters.

The shift proposed by Y leadership also came as a result of the feedback received while leading a capital campaign to raise funds for a construction project for a new building. Many potential donors viewed the West Roxbury YMCA as being in an area of privilege, not realizing the extent of the Y’s financial aid packages and community programming offered to low-income residents in Roslindale, Jamaica Plain, and Dedham.

Additionally the branch has become a regional community center collaborating with many nonprofits outside the boundaries of West Roxbury. More notably, its collaboration with the Dedham Recreation Department currently serves more than 150 families through aquatic programs, and its Youth and Government program offered to Dedham High School students helps to build leadership skills among regional youth. The Parkway Community Y also provides free teen programs and meals to youth at the Washington Beech Development located in Roslindale.

“The West Roxbury YMCA has changed significantly since its grand opening in 1947,” says Kelly. “BB Guns for Teens is now a Leaders Club, the old fashioned vibrating belt to lose weight is now an elliptical, and the old mimeograph machine has been replaced by a scanner. It’s fitting to once again change with the times and help build excitement with a new name for our new facility.”

The Parkway Community Y is one of 13 branches which make up the YMCAs of Greater Boston. The YMCA of Greater Boston is the state’s leading nonprofit committed to strengthening communities. Every day the Y works with thousands of men, women and children to make sure that everyone, regardless of age, income or background, has the opportunity to learn, grow, and thrive. The Y is committed to youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility, each day giving back and providing support to thousands. For more information, about the Parkway Community YMCA, visit ymcaboston.org/Parkway.