YMCA Consolidates Danbury Boughton Street and Greenknoll

The Downtown Danbury YMCA facility at Boughton Street will close as of July 25th. Most programs will continue at the Greenknoll branch in Brookfield. The reason stated for the closure is financial. The proximity of the facilities and the cost of maintaining both is straining the YMCA resources.

Here are some of the transition details

Members of the Boughton Street branch considering the transition to Greenknoll should keep in mind the facilities are just 6 miles apart, and HART bus service reaches both facilities.

• Your YMCA membership will continue at our Greenknoll branch (just past Costco) at your current membership rate until February 1, 2015, or if you have paid in full, until your expiration date.
• If you are enrolled in a summer swim program and wish to continue your class at Greenknoll, please call the Boughton Street front desk for availability at 203-744-1000 (after July 25, call 203-775-4444, x110).
• We are working to move as many other programs as possible to Greenknoll. As above, please contact the front desk for more information about specific programs and classes.
• If none of these options work for you, we will prorate any program refunds depending upon the number of classes that have occurred.
• If you choose not to continue your membership with us, please let us know in writing by July 23, 2014.
• If you have any questions or need help, please call the Boughton Street front desk at 203-744-1000 (after July 25, call 203-775-4444, x110).
• For those who currently use the Hart Bus Line to go to Boughton Street, Hart also provides transportation to Greenknoll.

Not a new story

"Many of you may recall a similar announcement in 2005 regarding the closing of Boughton Street. At that time, we were able to mount a campaign which resulted in the reversal of that decision." said Sharon Dornfeld, of the Y Board of Directors, and a Boughton Street Member.

As a member of the Boughton Street Advisory Committee and Chairman of that campaign, "Please know that every effort has been made to keep Boughton Street operating as long as possible and we have enjoyed an additional nine years.", Dornfield added. She concluded "Although very sad, I am satisfied that there is simply no alternative."

History of Boughton Street Gym

The facility was originally built by Saint Peter Parish as the Kearney Center. When the school was no longer able to maintain the building, in 1971, it was sold to the YMCA and the students were able to continue using it through a lease agreement. State Senator Michael McLachlan was in first grade when the Kearney Center was sold to the YMCA. He is also a Trustee of St. Peter and said "St. Peter Parish has a right of first refusal for purchase of the property and I will support strong consideration of such a move.".

Maura Keenan, Vice President of Advancement of the Regional Y, said the Boughton Street property will eventually be offered for sale. They have not, as yet, reached out to Saint Peter. She added the YMCA will continue to have a presence in Danbury through the Escape to the Arts facility located on Main Street at White Street. The Bethel Branch is also unaffected.