The Y of Central Maryland will invest $500,000 to open a new facility in Parkville in June as part of a strategic plan to expand in Northern Baltimore County.
Located in the North Plaza Shopping Center, the facility will offer youth sports, swimming, water aerobics, martial arts, yoga, indoor cycling and exercise programs for children, seniors and adults. The new center will also offer community outreach programs for at-risk youth and raise money to aid those who cannot afford the Y's services.
Y officials decided to expand in Parkville after completing a strategic plan that identified Northern Baltimore County as an area that was underserved, says Sara Milstein, the Y of Central Maryland's chief marketing officer.
Last year, the organization opened a facility in Perry Hall. It also has a facility in Towson. The Y of Central Maryland operates pre-school and after-school programs and youth and adult sports in Northern Baltimore County. Having a cluster of family centers in one area makes it more convenient for people, Milstein says.
"Anytime we come into a neighborhood, the Y is the health and wellness anchor," Milstein says.
The nonprofit will be recruiting volunteers to mentor area youth. The Y of Central Maryland is one of seven Ys around the country that shared a $7 million federal grant to offer mentoring programs.
The Y of Central Maryland operates eight health and wellness centers in Baltimore City and Baltimore, Howard, Harford and Howard counties.
Writer: Julekha Dash
Source: Sara Milstein, Y of Central Maryland