Painted Post, NY – A new partnership between two community-focused organizations is laying the groundwork for generations to come. The Y at Watson and GST BOCES are collaborating on a project that gives students crucial hands-on experience while supporting the mission of the YMCA of Greater Rochester.
This winter, students who are part of the Heavy Equipment program are working on a project at The Y at Watson Woods, removing cabins that have not been accessible on the property for many years, allowing the Y to transform the space into a place that families throughout the community and region will be able to utilize.
“Without the incredible work of the GST BOCES students, we would not be able to complete this,” said Brian Dana, Executive Director, The Y at Watson Woods. “This project clears the way – literally and figuratively – for what’s to come at The Y at Watson Woods, and our ability to provide even more for our community.”
Since acquiring in 2022, the Y has invested in the property and community, partnering with like-minded organizations that also place value in connecting and community.
“It is with great pleasure that our GST BOCES Coopers Campus collaborated with the YMCA of Greater Rochester on this project,” said Rob Francischelli, Principal, GST BOCES Cooper Campus. “Our organizations share closely aligned missions and values, particularly in the areas of collaboration and service. This opportunity allowed our Heavy Equipment students and instructors to support and enhance The Y at Watson Woods’ facility while applying and strengthening their Heavy Equipment skills. We take tremendous pride in projects like this and look forward to continued collaboration with the YMCA.”
Once the students’ work is complete, the Y will begin the work for this reimagined space, as a place where families and the community can come for recreation, including the ideal addition for the Y’s annual, longstanding event Maple Syrup Festival.
In the past four years, The Y at Watson Woods provided nearly 40,000 nights of stay for programming, including family reunions, organizational retreats, YMCA programming and more, in addition to the multiple-day festivals and events hosted by the Y annually.