YMCA of Greater Brandywine Invests $2 Million in Facility Enhancements
Community Invited to Open Houses to Experience New Strength Equipment, Fitness Demos and more
(CHESTER COUNTY, PA) – As a part of its continued commitment to facilitating strong communities and providing enriching member experiences, the YMCA of Greater Brandywine (YGBW) is proud to announce major capital investments to upgrade the member experience at facilities across Chester County.
All seven traditional YGBW branches received new and upgraded strength equipment this fall with other branches receiving additional upgrades. Additional highlights include a new outdoor pavilion featuring two pickleball courts at the Jennersville YMCA in West Grove, new Childcare and Early Learning classrooms and EGYM connected fitness equipment at the Kennett Area YMCA in Kennett Square, a modernized lobby and ADA-compliant restroom at the Oscar Lasko YMCA (to be completed in early 2026) in the West Chester Borough and a new outdoor pool at the Lionville Community YMCA in Exton (to be completed by summer of 2026).
“These projects represent a significant investment in health, happiness and connection for the benefit of Chester County residents both now – and for many years to come,” shares Kim Cavallero, Senior Vice President of Member Experience & Acquisition. “We are proud to make these investments for the community – but especially proud that the projects were selected based upon member and community feedback.”
Lionville Community YMCA Outdoor Pool – Opening in Summer 2026
Earlier this year the YGBW board of directors unanimously approved a major project to rebuild the outdoor pool at the Lionville Community YMCA. Construction kicked off in summer 2025 – and the pool is slated to open for the 2026 season. It will offer a new space for family recreation, swimming lessons, water fitness and youth programming. The new pool will feature extended lap lanes as well as water features.
Once completed, the new outdoor pool will serve thousands of members and families each summer, offering a welcoming, accessible and engaging space for people of all ages and abilities.
“It will be an extremely proud moment when we cut the ribbon on the reimagined outdoor pool at Lionville and welcome the community back for splashes, cannonballs and summer fun,” says YGBW President & CEO, Bertram L. Lawson II.
Jennersville YMCA Outdoor Pavilion and Pickleball Courts
The Jennersville YMCA is the recipient of a new multi-purpose outdoor pavilion designed to enhance summer camp experiences and support multi-season outdoor programming. The pavilion will provide outdoor restrooms as well as shaded gathering spaces for activities, programs and events and will be heavily utilized by the YGBW’s summer campers.
“This new project reflects our mission to meet the needs of the community,” shared Nic Legere, District Executive Director. “We have seen a growing need for summer camp within our service area and this new pavilion will allow us to enhance the camper experience – offering additional opportunities for outdoor enrichment and engagement for our campers and counselors. With the addition of the outdoor pickleball courts, we will also be able to reach a population of all ages and abilities who utilize pickleball to connect, stay active and get outdoors.”
Two new outdoor pickleball courts are connected to the outdoor facility and are now open for member use. The courts were built in response to growing community interest in outdoor social recreation.
Experience the Y at Open Houses
YGBW invites all members of the community to experience what’s new at the Y during Open House events this fall. There is something for everyone to love – new strength training equipment, fitness demos, youth program samplers and fun for all ages.
Open Houses will be hosted on Saturday, November 8, from 10AM – 2PM at the Coatesville, Jennersville, Lionville Community and West Chester Area YMCAs.