The landscape of City Heights is undergoing a vibrant transformation with the grand opening of the Copley-Price Family YMCA. This new facility is breathing fresh life into a well-known corner of the community, situated on the former Pearson Ford dealership lot. For decades, the intersection of Fairmount Avenue and El Cajon Boulevard was synonymous with car sales, but now, it’s becoming a hub for community enrichment and wellness.
From 1966 to 2009, the Pearson Ford dealership was a local landmark, a place where San Diegans came to purchase vehicles and negotiate deals. Today, the site at Fairmount and El Cajon is buzzing with a different kind of energy as construction concludes on the impressive Copley-Price Family YMCA. Anticipation is building for the official opening on January 24th, slightly delayed due to recent weather conditions.
This ambitious $34 million project promises to be a game-changer for the area. The Copley-Price Family YMCA boasts a wide array of modern amenities designed to cater to diverse community needs. Members will enjoy a state-of-the-art fitness center, a versatile 9,000 square-foot gymnasium, and even a demonstration kitchen for healthy cooking programs. For outdoor enthusiasts, there’s a soccer arena and playful splash fountains. Aquatic facilities are a highlight, featuring two pools, including an indoor pool housed within a striking glass structure complete with a retractable roof for year-round use.
Baron Herdelin-Doherty, President of the San Diego YMCA, aptly describes the upgrade as moving “from a Volkswagen to a Cadillac,” highlighting the significant improvement this new facility represents for the community. The existing YMCA in the neighborhood, built in 1956, was originally slated for renovation. However, a transformative offer from Price Philanthropies redirected those plans. The foundation, established by Price Club founder Sol Price, has a long-standing commitment to City Heights, spanning over three decades, and played a crucial role in acquiring the Pearson Ford land for this new YMCA.
The location of the Copley-Price Family YMCA is particularly strategic. It sits at the crossroads of three distinct communities: City Heights to the south, and the more affluent Kensington and Talmadge neighborhoods to the north. The YMCA aims to act as a bridge between these communities, fostering connection and understanding. This initiative is especially meaningful considering past community discussions regarding the site’s development, where residents voiced diverse desires ranging from upscale grocery stores to recreational spaces like skate parks.
Courtney Harrness, the executive manager of the new Copley-Price Family YMCA, notes that early membership trends reflect this diverse community reach. While many initial sign-ups are transfers from the existing City Heights YMCA, there’s also significant interest and enrollment from residents of Kensington and Talmadge, indicating the YMCA’s broad appeal.
The Copley-Price Family YMCA is deeply committed to serving the unique needs of its diverse community. Building on the programs of the older facility, the new YMCA will continue to offer specialized services. For example, the previous YMCA offered dedicated swim hours for Muslim women, providing a comfortable and culturally sensitive environment. The staff is actively engaging with this community to ensure the new pool area meets their needs, with potential adjustments like retractable screens or curtains for added privacy within the glass-enclosed pool.
Furthermore, the Copley-Price Family YMCA will maintain extended hours for the popular Somali family night, recognizing the schedules of East African taxi drivers and providing them with valuable access to fitness and recreation after their long workdays. Expanding its outreach further, the YMCA is also launching a basketball league tailored for worshipers from a nearby Orthodox synagogue, demonstrating its commitment to inclusivity and serving a wide spectrum of community members.
As Herdelin-Doherty emphasizes, the core mission of the Copley-Price Family YMCA is to deliver exceptional service, facilities, and engagement to everyone, regardless of background. This new YMCA is poised to become a vital community asset, promoting health, wellness, and connection for all residents of City Heights and its surrounding neighborhoods.
