The Auburn YMCA is preparing for a significant expansion of its childcare services alongside ongoing upgrades to its William Street facility and Camp Y-Owasco.
YMCA President and CEO Scott Sincerbeaux, who took over leadership earlier this year, told the Auburn City Council on Sept. 18 that the organization now serves about 3,400 members and operates four major program areas: early learning, aquatics, health and wellness, and camp services. Nearly 200 children attend the YMCA’s Early Learning Center each day, and its summer camp program hosted 768 campers this year while providing more than 3,600 meals.
Sincerbeaux said the YMCA has already begun renovating its Early Learning Center and plans to expand from its current capacity of 199 children to more than 300. The project, scheduled to begin in summer 2026, will include the facility’s first infant rooms — a critical need in Cayuga County, he said. State grant funding of $1.5 million has already been secured, but the YMCA estimates the total project cost at more than $4 million. Additional funding applications are underway through the state’s BRICKS and Swims programs, as well as private foundations.
Other improvements are either complete or in progress. The YMCA recently finished renovations to its Early Learning Center lobby and teacher’s lounge, added security upgrades, and repaired its pool observation deck. A toddler playground is expected to open soon, and a new group fitness room featuring TRX equipment is nearly finished. Plans also call for renovating the camp kitchen at Y-Owasco, repairing the Westlake wall, and replacing the Allyn Pool roof.
Council members praised the YMCA’s direction, noting that expanded childcare is a critical need both for families and for businesses considering investments in the Auburn area. Sincerbeaux said the YMCA’s goal is to remain a “reliable and impactful community service partner” for the city and county.
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