YMCA Removing Services From North Adams Facility

Staff Reports 10:24AM / Friday, February 09, 2024Print Story | Email Story

NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — The Northern Berkshire YMCA branch posted on its website on Thursday that they plan to remove services and programming from the Northern Berkshire branch facility, effective March 29, 2024.

According to the statement:

"Our removal of services from this branch stems from various challenges, including the prolonged pool closure, childcare availability, staffing issues, and ongoing facility maintenance needs. Unfortunately, these factors have made it unsustainable to maintain the level of programming that the Y prides itself on and holds itself accountable to."

According to the message, the YMCA will continue to build its summer camp program at Windsor Lake, and before and after school programs. They also pledged to engage with community partners to explore programming.

"We are actively engaging with community partners to explore collaborative program opportunities under a 'Y Without Walls' concept to fulfill our mission and do the great work that we are known for. This is part of our mission to adapt and continue serving our community in innovative ways, aiming to evolve into a revitalized Y. "

The statement did note that the future of the now-closed pool seems "bright" noting that the city is committed to overhauling the pool ceiling/roof structure. The YMCA added that they would be open to providing lifeguarding services after completion.

"This phase signifies a shift rather than an end in our commitment to supporting the Northern Berkshire region."

The pool was closed in 2023 after the roof failed an inspection.

The statement included that Northern Berkshire memberships will be automatically terminated following the closure. Members can upgrade their membership and can continue to use the Pittsfield Branch and Bennington Rec locations.

Community members who are not currently members can reserve a day pass to access the facilities before the closure date.

"During this transitional phase, we are committed to finding a new pathway forward in North Adams, reintroducing a rejuvenated and invigorated Y experience," read a statement.

The full statement can be read here.

Tags: YMCA,

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North Adams Students Taste Test for Input on Lunches

By Breanna SteeleiBerkshires Staff
08:00AM / Sunday, January 18, 2026

Chef Kyle Zegel talks to the children about the food they will be trying on Friday. He will be bringing recipes each month for them to try.

NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — Pupils at Brayton Elementary got to taste test a new side dish as chef Kyle Zegel passed out cups cider-glazed carrots on Friday for the children to try.

Zegel, a food literacy facilitator, said his goal is teach children about farms and how to grow food, and to have a deeper relationship with their food system.

"There's this increasing separation between the natural world and ourselves, and there's this increasing separation between the food system and ourselves," he said. "And we really see that with our students, and with the increasing prevalence of technology and ways that just separate us from interacting with how our food grows. ...

"I think it's just really important to make sure that we're giving students accessible opportunities for experiential learning."

Zegel will be highlighting a "Harvest of the Month" in the North Adams Public Schools through the Massachusetts Farm to School program.

The district last year received a state-funded MA FRESH (Farming Reinforces Education and Student Health) grant toward scratch cooking with more local ingredients. A little less than $7,000 of the $30,000 grant the district received in December will go to Harvest of the Month program.

Director of Food Services Thomas Lark said it was important to connect the children to food that is grown locally. The district is sourcing through Marty's Local in Deerfield.

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