For over three decades, The Chesterfield Family YMCA (‘Y’) has provided the community with fitness, family events, and many programs. But, throughout the years, the facility passed its prime, revealing a major renovation project that brought the YMCA into a new era.

The plan, with a $9.2 million budget, aims to create a more modern, accessible, and community-driven space.

Tim Peters, the Executive Director of the Chesterfield YMCA, conducted a study to determine which areas of the Y needed renovation while ensuring that construction was going well.

“We learned in the feasibility study that our community is very active. We learned that our members were looking for more than just physical activity. We wanted to make sure we maintained our ability to be a place where our community can gather,” Peters said via an email interview. “Exercise for some is more than just getting on a treadmill or strength training.  We made sure we could still be a place for those people that needed a place to come socialize, drink a cup of coffee.”

New Areas

Here is what the YMCA will be introducing, along with more.

• Specialty studios for mind and body classes: yoga, guided meditation, pilates, and more.
• 11,000-square-foot fitness center addition with new equipment, digital coaching, and enhanced programming for adults, seniors, and youth.
• Cycling and group exercise studios.
• Open spaces will be available for family engagement activities and older adult activities.
• Relocation of Child Watch to make it more convenient for caregivers.
• Community Cafe that offers cooking classes, nutrition lectures, and community health planning.
• Expanded inclusive programming to allow more children and adults with disabilities to participate in fitness and sports.
• SSM Healthcare medical care facility located in the Chesterfield YMCA.
• Outdoor fitness yard including a turf field.

Challenges Along the Way

Of course, like any big renovation, there have been challenges along the way.

Sophomore Alex Holden, a lifeguard at the Y, described a chaotic summer filled with fire alarms, loud construction noise, and many headaches.

“In the summer when they were doing big construction, the fire alarm went off a lot which meant we had to evacuate more than 10 times a week, so it was crazy honestly,” Holden said. “We did a single file line and we were getting people out of the pool and building in less than two minutes. It was challenging, especially during summer camp when we were picking up kids and helping them out, we were fast though.”

The renovations have impacted not only the employees but also members like sophomore Alex Willmann, who lifts weights and runs at the facility five times a week. The construction has given him different feelings.

“A lot of people are in there right now, and it’s kind of annoying,” Willmann said. “It’s so messy, but I hope the renovations finish quickly.”

Truthfully, the Y deserves a lot of credit; it has had to navigate through construction delays, budget constraints, and many challenges while keeping its doors open and ensuring safety for its members.

Looking Forward

Despite the temporary inconveniences, many members are looking forward to the new look of the YMCA. Sophomore Margot Pratt, a YMCA member since the summer, looks forward to a cleaner, more modern space.

“The renovations are going to make the building look better and feel more modern,” Pratt said. “The renovation will be a good change for the building.”

Holden, the lifeguard, is also excited about the updated fitness center.

“They’re adding more racks, equipment, and weights,” Holden said. “It’s going to be great for members who love lifting.”

While members and employees anticipate the new renovations and equipment, Peters thanks the community for its understanding and flexibility, which have made the process run more smoothly.

“It’s been loud, dusty, and a maze at times,” Peters said. “But our members have been extremely flexible and understanding during this process.”

Community Efforts and Partnerships

The renovation project is as much about community collaboration as it is about physical upgrades. Peters highlighted the partnerships and fundraising efforts driving the initiative.

“We’re in the community phase of our fundraising project, reaching out to donors to help us reach our $9.2 million goal,” Peters said. “We’re also partnering with SSM Healthcare, which will open a primary care clinic focused on the senior population in early 2026.”

The Gateway Region YMCA and SSM Health Partnership will develop a 5,000-square-foot medical care facility located in the building. Both organizations will utilize their resources to meet the needs of the growing community.

Located in the building reception, there is a poster chart where members are welcome to donate to help with the renovation.

The Vision for the Future

The renovations are set to be completed in June 2025, and Peters and his team hope the changes will attract new members while enhancing the experience for longtime members. For members like Pratt, the improvements are worth the wait

“It’s going to be exciting to have a nice, modern place to work out,” Pratt said. “It’ll definitely improve my motivation.”

As construction progresses, the YMCA staff and members continue to adapt, balancing their excitement for the future with the realities of a facility under renovation.

“Ultimately, these changes are for the better,” Holden said. “It’s going to make the YMCA a better place for everyone.”

With its commitment to community and a focus on modernization, the Chesterfield YMCA will remain a big part of the Chesterfield community—loud banging, tight hallways, and all.