Holyoke YMCA receives state earmark to upgrade locker rooms

State Sen. John Velis talks about the state earmark he helped secure for the Greater Holyoke YMCA facility.
Reminder Publishing submitted photos

HOLYOKE — A $75,000 state earmark has enabled the Greater Holyoke YMCA to significantly enhance its locker room facilities, resulting in important renovations that improve the overall experience for members and visitors alike.

The funding was celebrated at the YMCA on June 10 with a presentation and a glimpse at the new locker rooms.

State Sen. John Velis joined members of the Holyoke community to celebrate a $75,000 state earmark secured in the fiscal year 2026 state budget last summer for the YMCA.

During the announcement, Velis was joined by Greater Holyoke YMCA CEO Conor Bevan, several YMCA Board members, and representatives from Mayor Joshua Garcia’s and state Rep. Patricia Duffy’s offices.

Velis talked about the importance of a YMCA and how the success of one can highlight how the country is doing. “The Greater Holyoke YMCA serves as a vital hub for the Holyoke community, providing important resources to individuals regardless of membership. Whether it’s early education for preschoolers or athletic programs tailored to teens, adults, and seniors, the YMCA is supporting the well-being of our community throughout all stages of life,” Velis shared. “The success or failure of our government is in large part going to be predicated on whether or not years into the future places like the YMCA and the boys and girls clubs are functioning.”

The YMCA currently serves more than 6,000 people per year and prides itself on never turning anyone away in need of health, wellness, or family enrichment programs, according to the organization. Bevan said their locker rooms have not been restored in decades, and the investment will help with the overall mission of the nonprofit.

“Our community deserves to have a state-of-the-art wellness facility,” Bevan said. “The earmark investment reflects the Greater Holyoke YMCA and Senator Velis’s collective commitment to helping all in the Greater Holyoke community achieve their full potential in spirit, mind and body.”

Bevan also talked about the importance of a locker room and how it should be a place that is peaceful and clean.

“An ideal locker room should feel private and clean, almost like a sanctuary,” Bevan stated. “It should be a transition space where you can mentally prepare or wind down from a workout, balancing a peaceful environment with atmosphere of polite and community-based conversation where relationships will flourish.”

Bevan said that from January to April, the YMCA has welcomed 400 new members, and as of Last year, hit their pre-pandemic visitor numbers.
“What that equates to is more than 650 people tapping into Greater Holyoke YMCA health and wellness resources,” Bevan said. “This investment in what I believe is one of the most critical nonprofits in our region will allow us to do more goodwill for our community.”
Bevan said the organization is always looking for new members to enjoy their programs and other amenities. Readers can learn more at holyokeymca.org.
Velis stated, “CEO Conor Bevan, and really the entire YMCA team, are making such lasting and significant positive impacts, and I was beyond proud to have secured these funds last summer to enable them to improve their facilities.”