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Courtesy of the YMCA
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Courtesy of the YMCA
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Courtesy of the YMCA
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Courtesy of the YMCA
The heartbeat of a neighborhood is often found in its gathering spaces — where stories are shared, lessons are learned, and futures are shaped. On January 27th, the YMCA of Metropolitan Fort Worth will cut the ribbon on a reimagined Eastside Community Impact Center, inviting residents back into a space designed not just with them in mind, but with their voices at its core.
The story of this transformation is one of resilience. Like a band regrouping after a hiatus, the Eastside YMCA temporarily closed its doors in 2020, another casualty of the global pandemic. But that pause set the stage for a more ambitious comeback. In 2021, under the leadership of YMCA President and CEO Mike Brown, a dedicated team of advocates and community leaders began listening — really listening — to the neighborhood's needs. What they heard shaped every corner of this revitalized space.
Phase one of the three-phase project focused on breathing new life into the existing 16.4-acre property, according to a release. The walls now echo with energy from fitness and wellness spaces, a community demonstration kitchen, and dynamic areas where teens and youth can dive into technology and fitness. This isn't just a facelift — it's a full-blown reinvention. But the story doesn’t end here. The next chapters promise a full-sized gymnasium, revitalized outdoor sports fields, and an on-site childcare center, all designed to serve as pillars of support for families. On top of this, income-based scholarships and financial assistance will ensure that everyone has a seat at the table.
The journey here wasn’t a solo act. The City of Fort Worth, the Sid Richardson Foundation, and U.S. Rep. Marc Veasey helped secure $2.4 million in federal funding, with another $3.5 million flowing in from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). Yet, this $16 million vision still calls for more support to finish the story — a story worth completing.
And then there’s the food — because nothing brings people together like a good meal. Thanks to partnerships with Cook Children’s Health Care System and Texas Health Resources, the Eastside Community Impact Center will be home to one of 20 Good For You Healthy Hubs in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. Here, families will find fresh produce, recipe cards, cooking utensils, and nutrition workshops — all offered at no cost. It’s a hands-on lesson in wellness, where families can learn not just how to feed themselves, but how to nourish their futures.
Before the grand opening on January 27th, the YMCA is throwing a community block party on January 18th — a fitting prelude to the unveiling. It’s a chance for residents to step into the future and claim it as their own.
“Everything we do at the YMCA is in service of ensuring that people and communities thrive,” Brown said in a statement. “We are grateful to the many partners and supporters who’ve helped us restore this important resource for the Eastside community and look forward to continuing our efforts in the next phases of this project.”
