Nearly 200 people gathered at the sparkling new Anderson-Munger YMCA for a ribbon-cutting ceremony Thursday March 27th and to get an early peek at the gymnasiums, meeting rooms, pools, and rooftop deck that will serve as a community meeting and workout option for members in the greater Hancock Park and Koreatown areas.
The new facility is very international in its roots – the entrance includes a ‘cloud wall that celebrates the institution  around the world, including aerial views of YMCAs in Thailand, Ireland and Kenya.  The facility is very clean and modern, with tons of natural light and a thoughtful layout.
Described at the event as a “fountain of opportunity” built to serve one of the most dense urban areas in the Western United States, the new $23.5 million facility was a team effort eight years in the making. The YMCA has been active for 133 years in Los Angeles, and the Anderson-Munger YMCA will be the newest facility in the family when it formally opens to the public April 12, 2014.
The property, which spans the sizeable southeastern portion of the block between Western and Oxford Avenues just north of Third Street, includes a four story parking garage that is much-needed in an area known for limited street parking. The development of the property included a land swap with LAUSD which operates the Charles Kim Elementary School just to the north. Teachers from the school will be able to park at the new YMCA, and students are expected to take advantage of some after-school programing at the new Y.
Take a visual spin (below) through the new YMCA and consider joining as a Charter Member prior to the official opening April 12 to get a discount on fees and  get priority access to the facility prior to the public opening. Those placid pool waters are begging to be stirred up.
 Larchmont Buzz: Anderson-Munger YMCA Nearing Completion
