NAZARETH BORO, Pa. – Big changes are coming to the River Crossing YMCA in Nazareth.
On Friday, plans for a major renovation were unveiled; completely transforming the facility, including the original 1918 building.
“We are unveiling the plans for our beautiful renovation of our downtown Nazareth branch and we’re going public on our campaign. So, this is about a $9 million project. We’re $7.5 million in, so we have $1.5 million to raise,” Zane Moore, President & CEO of River Crossing YMCA says.
The renovations will completely reimagine the space; from fitness studios and child care areas, to a new cafe and lobby designed for community connection.
“We want to make this is not just a fitness center, but much more than that,” Moore says. “And we’ll create those social gathering spaces for people. Try to overcome that social isolation that’s happening across our country.
Officials say they want to honor the Y’s past, while looking toward its future.
Stephen Bajan II, Finance Chair of River Crossing YMCA Lehigh Valley Region Advisory Board says, “My grandfathers were here, aunts, uncles, you know, parents all came through the Y. I learned to swim here, play basketball. I don’t have kids yet, but when I do, this is where they’ll be to learn those same skills.”
And for current members — excitement is already building.
“I think it’ll give people a place to come. To be honest with you, I have three young children, so I don’t really have friends. I don’t really have community. So this will probably be a good place for people to come,” Nazareth resident, Lisa Stone, says.
Leaders hope to break ground by the spring of 2026, and say the finished space will give residents a place to gather, grow and connect.