As we look forward to beginning a new chapter of service in our community, one is coming to an end. We look forward to welcoming members to our facility for our Members Open House from 10 am to 4 pm on September 30 and a Community Open House 10 am to 4 pm on October 1.
WHY DID YOU CLOSE SO EARLY?
We would have loved to keep the doors open at our Main Street facility until the opening day of the Sands Family YMCA, but after an extensive review, we know we simply could not properly operate the Canandaigua YMCA and meet your membership expectations while completing final preparations to open the incredible new YMCA. There has been much time needed to “move out” and “move in” as well time needed to hire and train new staff and train existing staff to operate a facility with more space, more amenities, and tremendous offerings for members. These final months of preparation will pay off with an extraordinary experience for you, our existing members, and the many more who will join you!
WHAT HAPPENS TO MY MEMBERSHIP?
You have options. You can:
- Pause payments, suspending use of your membership until October 2 when the Sands Family YMCA opens. Your membership payments will automatically resume on October 2, making the second of each month your new draft date.
- Keep your membership active and enjoy all the other great YMCA of Greater Rochester locations. Payments will continue to be drafted on your regularly scheduled draft day.
If you do not request to suspend your membership, your scheduled monthly dues will continue to be drafted and you will be able to continue using our YMCA facilities. If you choose to cancel, you will lose your current referral rate. When you choose to rejoin you will need to pay a joining fee upon rejoining the YMCA and find a referral member to receive that rate again.
To make any changes to your membership, you must email SandsQuestions@RochesterYMCA.org.
I HAVE AN ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP. WILL I GET A PRORATED REFUND?
If you choose to suspend your Annual Membership, the months suspended will be added on when your membership restarts October 2. That means your new end date for your Annual Membership will be extended two months.
I HAVE AN INSURANCE-BASED MEMBERSHIP. WILL MY MEMBERSHIP NEED TO GO ON PAUSE?
No. Your membership will not need to be on pause. It will remain active for you to utilize other YMCA of Greater Rochester locations and be ready come October 2.
I HAVE SIGNED UP FOR BASP BUT WANT TO SUSPEND MY MEMBERSHIP. WILL I STILL BE ELIGIBLE FOR THE MEMBER RATE FOR BASP?
Yes. As long as you do not cancel your membership (only pause payments), you will still be eligible for the member rate for BASP when it begins in September.
WILL BASP STILL TAKE PLACE IN SEPTEMBER WHEN SANDS DOESN’T OPEN UNTIL OCTOBER 2?
Yes. Our Before & After School Programs will not be interrupted and will be available at start of the 2023-2024 school year.
WILL MY MEMBERSHIP DUES INCREASE AT THE SANDS FAMILY YMCA?
No. Your dues will not increase as a result of the new facility. Annual rate increases are not related to the construction of the Sands Family YMCA.
WHAT HAPPENS TO THE BUILDING?
We were committed to finding a partner who would not leave a large, vacant building on our Main Street. Capstone Real Estate Development purchased the building last year. They are currently working through plans to redevelop the space.
WHAT HAPPENS TO THE BRICKS THAT ARE AT THE YMCA ON MAIN STREET?
If you have an interest in your brick, please reach out to SandsQuestions@RochesterYMCA.org with your name and brick, and we will be in touch with information regarding pick up. Bricks will not be moving to the Sands Family YMCA as this was an initiative to support the previous facility. To learn more about ways to get involved and support the Sands Family YMCA, please visit our website.
WHAT HAPPENS TO THE EQUIPMENT? ARE WE ABLE TO PURCHASE IT?
We are working with an extraction company to remove all equipment, with all proceeds being reinvested in Sands Family YMCA. Anything historical in nature will stay with the building. The equipment is not for sale.
WILL THERE BE GROUP EXERCISE CLASSES AVAILABLE AFTER JULY?
We will not be hosting Group Exercise Classes outdoors or in partnership with area parks. Our staff will be working on opening the Sands Family YMCA. Some of your favorite instructors may be subbing at other YMCA of Greater Rochester locations, and we encourage you to utilize your Passport Membership to take class with them at other locations.
CAN I GO TO OTHER YMCA LOCATIONS?
Absolutely! Your membership grants you access to all YMCA of Greater Rochester locations.
WILL I SEE MY FAVORITE STAFF AT THE SANDS FAMILY YMCA?
All staff will have the opportunity to continue work with the YMCA, and we look forward to our staff making this transition a smooth and exciting one.
WHAT HAPPENS TO STAFF DURING THE CLOSURE?
We have options for staff who want to continue working during this time. In some cases, it may be different duties and training for the new facility.
HOW CAN I STAY UPDATED ON THE PROGRESS OF THE SANDS FAMILY YMCA?
We have been, and will continue to, regularly email our members directly, as well as share updates on our web site and social media. Please speak to a Member Service Representative to make sure you have an updated email address on file.
WHEN DOES THE SANDS FAMILY YMCA OPEN?
The Sands Family YMCA will open on Monday, October 2, 2023.
We will have open houses available leading up to the opening:
- Member Open House: 10 am to 4 pm, September 30
- Community Open House: 10 am to 4 pm, October 1
The Mickey Sands Child Care Center opened on September 5.
WHEN WILL I LEARN WHAT PROGRAMS ARE BEING OFFERED AT THE SANDS FAMILY YMCA?
The Sands Family YMCA offers new and exciting opportunities for programming for members of all ages. We are actively working to finalize the details and are looking forward to sharing them in the coming months.
WHEN WILL MEMBERSHIPS BE AVAILABLE TO PURCHASE FOR THE SANDS FAMILY YMCA?
Memberships are now available to purchase. You can purchase them at the Membership Center at the Sands Family YMCA and online. The hours for the center in September are: 8 am-8 pm Monday-Friday, 9 am-4 pm Saturday and Sunday. If you purchase a membership for the Sands Family YMCA, you will have the option to delay the start of your membership until October 2, or you can start your membership right away and utilize other YMCA of Greater Rochester locations.