HOLYOKE, Mass. (WGGB/WSHM) - The Greater Holyoke YMCA got a bit of a boost, thanks to funding earmarked in the state budget. Lawmakers came together on Wednesday to make that announcement, that includes State Senator John Velis, State Representative Patricia Duffy, and Holyoke Mayor Joshua Garcia.

The money is for renovations to the Y’s locker rooms, which the CEO Conor Bevan explained the importance of, “A locker room, an ideal locker room, should feel private and clean, almost like a sanctuary. It should be a transition space where you can mentally prepare and wind down from a workout. Balancing a peaceful environment with an atmosphere of polite, community-based conversations where relationships can flourish.”

Bevan added they’ve had 400 new members join their facility from January to April which they said is a result of this funding and improvement.

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