The Ann Arbor YMCA is a non-profit, community focused fitness center that is committed to nurturing the potential of children and teens, promoting healthy living, and supporting our neighbors. The YMCA has a pool, three levels of fitness equipment and regular classes for all ages- but they are more than a fitness center.
The YMCA runs a summer volunteering program that encourage children to participate in service learning by volunteering with over 100 organizations in Washtenaw County.
The YMCA is an exemplary community organization but also does great work around reducing waste, improving water quality and preventing pollution. A few examples of this outstanding work include:
- This past year, the Y installed a new pool filtration system that uses salt generated chlorine to reduce the amount of chlorine needed
- All hazardous waste is stored and disposed of properly
- There are single stream recycling bins placed throughout the building and each one has a clear sign advertising the benefits and specifics of recycling
- The Y encourages reuse through regular clothes swaps
- To oversee all of this work, the Y has a Sustainability Committee and a verbal policy for recycling and waste reduction
- Since the YMCA building is located at the bottom of its creekshed, they have a higher likelihood of flooding but also the opportunity to manage their stormwater in new ways. The Y manages its stormwater with:
- a large bio-retention basin full of native plants
- pervious pavement
- a hydro-dynamic separator
Please join us in congratulating the Ann Arbor YMCA for going above-and-beyond in improving water quality, reducing waste, recycling and pollution preventing the benefit of our community.