Eastbayri.com

BARRINGTON — Renovations to the Bayside YMCA are officially moving forward. Last week, the Barrington Planning Board approved a development plan review for expansion of the facility on West Street.

The board unanimously approved the plan that will include the demolition of potions of the existing building in preparation for a new state-of-the-art six lane indoor swimming pool, new locker rooms and a new reception area.

A large contingency of YMCA supporters turned out for the meeting, which was held inside the council chambers in the town hall, and were pleased when the board voted to approve.

Joe Martino, executive director at the Bayside Y breathed a sigh of relief.

"It had been a long road and I am happy that we have now completed the town board and committee process. To have the unanimous vote of the planning board was very important to us," he said.

The process he referred to included the creation of plans as well as approval to make improvements to the parking lot, which is located partially on town owned property.

"The Y has really worked hard to incorporate the suggestions from the town boards and the public into the design of the project. Construction documents are being completed and the sub contractor work will be going out to bid in the next few weeks," he said.

The demolition of the current indoor pool should occur in very early February when all permits from the town building official have been secured.The Y indoor pool will remain open through the end of January.

While the pool will close Feb. 1, the rest of the facility will remain open, including the wellness center and child care center.

Members can use the pool and facilities at Newman YMCA in Seekonk and the East Side YMCA in Providence.

Aquatic arthritis classes will be held at the Jewish Community Center in Providence and the swim team will use the Boys & Girls Club in East Providence.

Dimeo Construction is the general contractor for the project which will be done in phases.

The first phase will include the pool, locker rooms and welcome/foyer area.

Phase 2 involves tearing down the current child-care building and adding a new child care area as well as a new wellness center.

More good news

The Champlin Foundations has awarded the Bayside YMCA $625,000 in grant money. Of that amount, $500,000 has been allocated for renovations to the facility and $125,000 to camperships for underprivileged youth.

Sandra Carney, Capital Campaign Director at Bayside YMCA, said the grant is arriving at the perfect time as fund-raising efforts continue.

"We are thrilled to have the generous support of The Champlin Foundations at this critical time in our campaign. The Foundations' endorsement of the project is especially meaningful, as the new Bayside Y will benefit the entire East Bay community for decades to come," Ms. Carni said.

The Champlin Foundations make direct grants, the overwhelming majority of which are for capital needs to non-profit organizations.

Keith H. Lang, Executive Director at the Chaplin Foundation, announced that the Distribution Committee of The Champlin Foundations has approved and distributed grants totaling $18,907,643, an 11 percent increase from 2010. This year 209 tax exempt organizations received grants. This year's total brings Champlin grants in the 79 years since the first foundation was founded in 1932 to more than $460 million. Of that amount, $451 million has been distributed since the death of George S. Champlin in 1980. Every community in Rhode Island was the recipient of at least one grant. Over 900 charities have received Champlin grants over the years.