As a part of its continued commitment to facilitating strong communities and providing enriching member experiences, the YMCA of Greater Brandywine (YGBW) recently shared major capital investments to upgrade the member experience at facilities across Chester County.

All seven traditional YGBW branches received new and upgraded strength equipment this fall, with other branches receiving additional upgrades. Additional highlights include a new outdoor pavilion featuring two pickleball courts at the Jennersville YMCA in West Grove, new Childcare and Early Learning classrooms and EGYM connected fitness equipment at the Kennett Area YMCA in Kennett Square, a modernized lobby and ADA-compliant restroom at the Oscar Lasko YMCA (to be completed in early 2026) in the West Chester Borough and a new outdoor pool at the Lionville Community YMCA in Exton (to be completed by summer of 2026).

“These projects represent a significant investment in health, happiness, and connection for the benefit of Chester County residents both now and for many years to come,” stated Kim Cavallero, Senior Vice President of Member Experience & Acquisition. “We are proud to make these investments for the community, but are especially proud that the projects were selected based upon member and community feedback.”

Lionville Community YMCA Outdoor Pool Opening in Summer 2026

Earlier this year, the YGBW board of directors unanimously approved a major project to rebuild the outdoor pool at the Lionville Community YMCA. Construction kicked off in summer 2025, and the pool is slated to open for the 2026 season. It will offer a new space for family recreation, swimming lessons, water fitness, and youth programming. The new pool will feature extended lap lanes as well as water features.

Once completed, the new outdoor pool will serve thousands of members and families each summer, offering a welcoming, accessible, and engaging space for people of all ages and abilities.

“It will be an extremely proud moment when we cut the ribbon on the reimagined outdoor pool at Lionville and welcome the community back for splashes, cannonballs, and summer fun,” said YGBW President and CEO Bertram L. Lawson II.

Jennersville YMCA Outdoor Pavilion and Pickleball Courts

The Jennersville YMCA is the recipient of a new multi-purpose outdoor pavilion designed to enhance summer camp experiences and support multi-season outdoor programming. The pavilion will provide outdoor restrooms as well as shaded gathering spaces for activities, programs, and events, and will be heavily utilized by the YGBW’s summer campers.

“This new project reflects our mission to meet the needs of the community,” shared Nic Legere, District Executive Director. “We have seen a growing need for summer camp within our service area, and this new pavilion will allow us to enhance the camper experience, offering additional opportunities for outdoor enrichment and engagement for our campers and counselors. With the addition of the outdoor pickleball courts, we will also be able to reach a population of all ages and abilities who utilize pickleball to connect, stay active, and get outdoors.”

Two new outdoor pickleball courts are connected to the outdoor facility and are now open for member use. The courts were built in response to growing community interest in outdoor social recreation.

Experience the Y at Open Houses

YGBW invites all members of the community to experience what’s new at the Y during Open House events this fall. There is something for everyone to love – new strength training equipment, fitness demos, youth program samplers, and fun for all ages.

Open Houses will be hosted on Saturday, Nov. 8, from 10:00 AM-2:00 PM at the Coatesville, Jennersville, Lionville Community, and West Chester Area YMCAs.

Learn more at the YMCA of Greater Brandywine and how it is a leading non-profit organization committed to building community, serving more than 87,000 people throughout Chester County. YGBW operates nine Branches and Program Centers and one Fit Truk, providing life-changing programs to nurture the potential of every child, promote healthy living for all, and foster social responsibility. YGBW raises funds to provide financial assistance to those unable to pay the standard rates. In 2024, $2.5 million was provided to more than 11,000 individuals to ensure they had access to childcare, summer camp, programs, and memberships at YGBW.