BANGOR – The Bangor Y has big plans on the horizon. The board of directors, volunteers and staff, with input from many other members, have been working hard for about two years to examine the Y’s assets and address its future to best serve community needs.

While the Bangor Y has often been perceived as bulging at the seams, future plans will enhance spaces and accommodate members with a fiscally responsible plan for growth.

The Bangor Y is announcing phase one of a three-phase plan to develop the facilities and programs based on its findings.

Work will start very soon. While projects begin this month to enhance and restructure some of the Y’s current spaces, such as locker rooms and security systems, the most significant aspect of the phase one plan will effect the Bangor Y Hammond Street Coombs Pool. It is with bittersweet feelings that the Y will close the Coombs Pool at the end of August.

The Coombs Pool has a great history and the Y plans for that space to continue to affect Greater Bangor as its namesake, John Coombs, affected so many in the area. While it may be sad to see this space close, it is exciting that it will develop as additional square footage for Y program expansion.

The conversion of the Coombs Pool space will allow centralization of Bangor Y aquatics functions into one location at the Second Street Aloupis and Means Pools. While the change will create efficiency and improve quality, the plan will not reduce the Y’s aquatic services, just better utilize assets. The space is expected to get a total makeover in the coming year.

These changes will lay the groundwork for exciting things to come. Phases two and three of the plan have not been completely resolved and will be announced as details solidify. For more information on the Bangor Y Strategic Plan, call Rob Reeves, Bangor Y chief executive officer, at 941-2815.