Lacey Township Considers A Development Project With YMCA [PHOTO GALLERY]

If you have lived in New Jersey and grown up in the Garden State then you probably have gone to a neighborhood YMCA. Locally, in Ocean County, we have visited the Ocean County (Toms River) YMCA.

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The YMCA, which is short for the Young Men’s Christian Association, started way back in 1844 in London, thanks to George Williams. At the time, city life was rough for young workers, so he created a place where guys could stay on the right path, build friendships, and have a little structure in their lives.

From there, it spread fast, even making its way to the U.S. by the 1850s, and slowly turned into what we know today with gyms, pools, camps, and that classic community hangout spot. You know the kind of place… where a lot of us had our first basketball game, first swim lesson, or just something to do after school.

That said, officials in Lacey Township are exploring a project with the YMCA that all residents can enjoy and benefit from.

According to a press release, Lacey Township brought more than 60 people together on April 22 at the Charles A. Smith Community Center to discuss a vision for expanding recreation, health, and wellness opportunities with its potential partner, the YMCA of the Jersey Shore.

The forum is part of the township’s ongoing community needs assessment, a multi-phase effort launched in fall 2025 designed to reflect the voices and priorities of residents, said Mayor Steven Kennis.

Mayor Kinnis added, “No decisions were made at the forum, but we’re making steady and thoughtful progress in evaluating what best serves the community.” Mayor Kinnis added, “The images are intended to spark ideas and conversation, but do not represent final plans or decisions.”

According to reports, "Danny Forrester, a consultant from the GRO Development team, shared highlights from a recent economic benefits study for the project, outlining the potential positive impact of a YMCA on local jobs, economic activity, and community health outcomes. The report indicates that a facility of this kind could support job creation during construction and ongoing operations, generate local economic activity, and contribute to long-term community well-being."

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