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Construction On New Westport Y To Begin Next Month

WESTPORT, Conn. – Construction of the new Westport Weston Family Y facility at the Y’s Mahackeno Outdoor Center is set to begin Feb. 5 at 2 p.m. with a groundbreaking ceremony, Y officials announced Monday.

A double-layer erosion and sediment control barrier was installed Monday along the Saugatuck River at the Westport Weston Family Y's Mahackeno Center in preparation of construction on the new Y facility.

A double-layer erosion and sediment control barrier was installed Monday along the Saugatuck River at the Westport Weston Family Y's Mahackeno Center in preparation of construction on the new Y facility.

Photo Credit: Contributed

“Our campaign to fund and construct a modern, sustainable new home for the Family Y has been years long and at times imperiled,” Family Y CEO Rob Reeves said in a statement. “But thanks to the steadfast support of our members, the tireless efforts of the volunteer leaders who guide us and the selfless contributions from hundreds of donors from throughout our community and beyond, we are ready to truly ‘Build What Matters.’ ”

The 102,000-square-foot facility will be built in phases, starting with a 54,000-square-foot building that is expected to open in November 2014. This building will include a 10-lane, 25-yard lap pool, a warm-water family/teaching pool, a health and wellness center, a multi-purpose gymnasium, three group fitness studios, a Child Watch/Kids’ Adventure Gym area, five locker rooms and other amenities.

On Dec. 21, the Y received a zoning permit from the town allowing Turner Construction — the Y’s contractor — to apply for a building permit. The Y expects to receive the building permit early next month, Y officials said in the statement.

Site preparations began Monday with the installation of a double-layer silt fence that will encircle the construction site. This barrier is intended to prevent erosion of soil into the nearby Saugatuck River and Poplar Plains Brook.

Nearly 90 percent of the funds needed for the construction of the first phase have been secured through various means, including sale of the Y’s current downtown facility, donations and Y reserves. Anyone interested in supporting the project financially can contact Rob Reeves at rreeves@westporty.org or 203-226-8981, ext. 131.

Residents interested in learning more about the construction process are encouraged to attend an informational question and answer session on Feb. 7 at 7:30 p.m. in the board room of the current Y facility, located at 59 Post Road E.

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