In a recent interview on Beyond the Front Page with host Guy Cosentino, Scott Sincerbeaux, CEO of the Auburn YMCA, discussed major investments, membership growth, and long-term plans for the organization.
Sincerbeaux, who has led the YMCA for about 10 months, said the organization is approaching record membership levels while simultaneously launching facility upgrades and planning a multi-year renovation of its historic William Street building.
The conversation covered new fitness equipment, partnerships with local schools, capital improvements, and the board’s decision earlier this year to keep the YMCA downtown rather than relocate.
Membership growth approaching 4,000
Membership at the Auburn YMCA has climbed steadily in recent months, nearing 4,000 members — close to a record for the organization. Sincerbeaux said the Y finished February with 3,936 members.
He attributed the growth to both facility improvements and word-of-mouth from existing members. The organization reported year-over-year membership increases of about 15% in January and nearly 18% in February.
Individual memberships cost $48 per month and family memberships $93, giving members full access to the YMCA’s facilities, which include two pools, two gyms, fitness centers, and programs such as childcare and swim lessons.
New fitness technology and renovated spaces
One of the most visible recent upgrades is the addition of the YMCA’s EGYM system — a circuit of 11 digitally programmed strength machines designed to automatically adjust to a user’s body and fitness goals.
The system launched in February following a roughly $350,000 investment in new cardio equipment and fitness center upgrades. Members receive a wristband that stores their workout data and automatically configures machines during a workout.
In addition, the YMCA has opened a new fitness space called “The Hub,” located on the building’s fourth floor. The area includes specialized training equipment such as rowers, ski machines, sandbags, and free weights and hosts group exercise classes and personal training sessions.
Sincerbeaux said the upgrades have helped bring back members who previously left for other gyms.
School partnership expands youth access
The YMCA has also partnered with the Auburn Enlarged City School District and Cayuga-Onondaga BOCES to make memberships more affordable for families with students.
Under the program, students in kindergarten through 12th grade can join the YMCA for $6.50 per month, while qualifying families can receive a full family membership for about $21.45 per month. The program is funded through a state reimbursement mechanism administered through BOCES.
About 240 students have joined through the partnership so far, and YMCA officials are exploring expanding the program to other school districts in Cayuga County.
Board chooses to stay at historic William Street site
Earlier this year, the YMCA board made a key strategic decision about the future of its main facility at 27 William St.
After evaluating options that included building a new facility elsewhere in the city, the board unanimously voted to remain in its current historic building and renovate it over the next several years.
Sincerbeaux said relocating would have risked losing accessibility for members and weakening the YMCA’s role in downtown Auburn.
Instead, the organization plans a roughly $20 million renovation strategy that will modernize the building while maintaining its existing footprint, including the two pools and gymnasiums. The work will occur in phases over five to six years.
The first project will renovate and expand the Early Learning Center to add infant care and additional toddler space, with completion expected by 2027.
Annual campaign and community focus
The YMCA’s annual fundraising campaign will support programs and services rather than capital improvements, with a goal of raising $150,000 this year.
The campaign kickoff will coincide with the organization’s annual meeting March 24 at the Springside Inn.
Despite the new equipment, renovations, and long-term planning, Sincerbeaux said the organization’s focus remains on community.
Throughout the day, he said, the YMCA serves as a gathering place — from older members meeting for coffee in the morning to students stopping in after school.
“It’s amazing to see the community that we’re building,” he said.
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