Schenectady County legislators joined Chris and Lauren Davis, and Schenectady Metroplex Development Authority, for a ribbon cutting ceremony officially opening the new 4EverBods Fitness facility, which is located at the former Duanesburg YMCA facility in Delanson.
Schenectady County purchased the property from the Capital District YMCA at the end of 2023 and shortly after sold it to the Davises, who also own a fitness facility in Schoharie County. The sale agreement creates a public-private partnership with the Davises that includes a community benefits provision that guarantees specific public benefits at the facility for a period of 10 years.
“Restoring the Duanesburg Y facility has been our priority since its closure was announced during the pandemic,” said Schenectady County Legislator Anthony Jasenski. “We’re grateful for the support of the Davis family and Metroplex Chair Ray Gillen for helping to reopen this cherished community hub.”
"Reopening the Duanesburg Y isn't just about fitness; it's about revitalizing our community's spirit,” said Schenectady County Legislator Holly Vellano. “With guaranteed access for schools, seniors, and public programs, we're ensuring that everyone can benefit from this space for years to come."
“It still doesn't feel quite real,” said Chris and Lauren Davis of 4everbods Fitness. “We are just so honored that we have been allowed the opportunity to resurrect this facility. In our short time here we have seen just how important it is to all residents.”
Community Benefits Provision
The agreement between Schenectady County and the Davis’ includes a Community Benefits Provision that guarantees the following benefits for a period of 10 years:
- Lease or license to the Duanesburg Central School District, reasonable access to the gymnasium and swimming pool at a value of up to $20,000 per year;
- Provide thirty free gym memberships or the equivalent in programming benefits each year to Duanesburg youth with lower incomes as recommended by the Duanesburg Central School District;
- Allow free access to the swimming pool to Schenectady County and the Schenectady County Boys and Girls Club for the purpose of conducting lifeguard training up to four times per year;
- Make the kitchen and dining areas available at no cost to Schenectady County for the purpose of hosting a senior meal site; and
- Use of the facility as a back-up site for Schalmont High School for emergency purposed in conjunction with Schenectady County and the American Red Cross.
The 26,276 square foot Duanesburg YMCA building was originally built in 2009 and is located on 28.61 acres in the Village of Delanson. It currently contains a 25-yard 5-lane lap pool, a large gymnasium with retractable seating for 350 people, a wellness center, an aerobics/spin room space, a large community area space with attached full commercial kitchen, outdoor basketball and pickle ball courts, and an outdoor playground with playground equipment. The Duanesburg YMCA was closed in 2020 due to the pandemic, with the closure becoming permanent in 2022.