Like every other organization on the Eastern Shore, the YMCA of the Chesapeake took a hit as the COVID pandemic took its course over the last two years. Visits to the eleven YMCA facilities dropped dramatically, membership numbers were impacted, and the Y’s special role as one of the most important centers for community life was threatened by this prolonged public health crisis.
Given these circumstances, it might be reasonable to assume the Y would simply hold off on some of their major plans until circumstances suggested a return to normal. But, Robbie Gill, the CEO of the YMCA of the Chesapeake, and his board of directors, actually double-downed on construction plans for Kent County and Queen Anne’s County and created brand-new 50,000 square foot plus facilities Chestertown and Centreville.
Nor has it stopped the Y planning for a significant expansion of the Dorchester County facility in Cambridge, or even working with community leaders in St. Mary’s across the Bay to help that community envision a new YMCA program in a region of Maryland where none exists now.
With this whirlwind of activity going on, the Spy thought it would be helpful to sit down with Robbie to talk about this remarkable growth plan. We found him on the construction site of the new YMCA in Chestertown for an update.
This video is approximately seven minutes in length. For more information about the YMCA of the Chesapeake please go here.
Richard Marks says
Robbie,
Thanks for all you have done leading the Y to service so many Eastern Shore communities.
Richard & Amy