Jackie Robinson YMCA holds grand re-opening for public

SAN DIEGO (KUSI) — The $28 million Jackie Robinson YMCA building in Southeast San Diego held a grand re-opening for the public Saturday.

The YMCA location has been closed since May of last year to make way for the construction project, and patrons have been using nearby facilities.

It will be open Saturday from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Sunday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tours of the new facility at 151 YMCA Way will be available.

YMCA officials said they hope the 45,000-square-foot building, larger than the previous version, will allow them to serve more youth, adults and families. A market study showed the new facility could serve more than 10,000 people, according to the YMCA.

"A new Jackie Robinson Family YMCA reinforces all of the great work the Y has invested in the southeastern San Diego community for 73 years,” said Michael Brunker, the facility’s executive director. "It will allow us to extend our reach to work tirelessly to nurture the potential of kids, improve health and well-being, and give back and support our neighbors.”

The new building has a fitness center, gymnasium with two basketball courts, a multipurpose room, childcare center and a technology area for teens.

Funding is in place for a second phase, which will include an aquatic center with a competition-length swimming pool and family pool — scheduled to open in spring 2019.

Another $2 million in donations are needed to add an outdoor basketball and soccer complex, according to the YMCA.