Posted on: Sunday, September 2, 2001

Windward YMCA plans renovation

By Eloise Aguiar
Advertiser Windward Bureau

The Windward YMCA will renovate and expand portions of its facility in Kailua thanks to a $200,000 grant from the Harold K.L. Castle Foundation and $168,000 from other sources.

Projects at the 42-year-old building include enclosing and expanding the fitness center and renovating four bathrooms, said Bill Stone, executive director at the Windward Y.

"The new configuration will provide greater comfort for the Y's 500-plus members and reduce the amount of noise that reaches the neighboring homes," Stone said.

The YMCA will hold a public meeting about the projects at 6:45 p.m. Wednesday at the facility, 1200 Kailua Road. Architect Bryce Uyehara will explain the construction plan.

The plan calls for expanding and enclosing the fitness center, walling off the aerobics room and installing air-conditioning for both spaces. The new space in the fitness room, created by moving the Child Watch room to another location, will be used for treadmills, exercise bikes and other cardiovascular equipment. An 18-foot ramp leading to the fitness center will also be installed. The childcare area room will move to the kitchen area next to the building's back yard.

The renovation also will include refurbishing the facility's two main bathrooms and the pool's bathrooms. The contractor, Constructors Inc., will install a new bathroom for people with disabilities.

Construction should begin Sept. 10 and be completed by Nov. 8.

The contractor will work on one section at a time to minimize disruption to members, Stone said. The fitness center will be closed for a few days during construction.

For more information about the meeting, call the YMCA at 261-0808.