We’ve been on a bit of a hiatus, but that doesn’t mean things haven’t been moving and shaking here in the valley (scary earthquake pun unintended).  On Thursday we were lucky to attend the groundbreaking ceremony for our North Valley YMCA’s new warm water pool.  The new pool will serve over 1,000 people in addition to the existing Olympic sized indoor pool.  This massive project has been graciously funded by the likes of Shapell Industries, Kaiser Permanente, LA County Supervisor Michael Antonovich and many others in our amazing community, totaling the needed $2.3 million.

Our North Valley YMCA serves one of the largest populations in all of the US and it is located right here in Porter Ranch.  Initially the land was generously donated by Shapell Industries through the work of then Councilman Hal Bernson.  Then the torch was passed to Councilman Greig Smith, and now our current leader Councilman Mitchell Englander, both of whom were instrumental in getting this new project off the ground.  Former Councilman Smith and Councilman Englander were both on hand at the ceremonies, along with Jane Stanton the wonderful executive director of our Y and several other community leaders.

As exciting as this new project is we were assured that there is more to come.  To better serve the growing valley community the next phase will be a three story parking structure with solar paneling on the top level.  Excuse me while I cancel my LA Fitness membership and go fill out an application at the Y.