Back to All Locations Cross Island YMCA Save as preferred branch Directions About the Cross Island YMCA Camp Menu Home About Schedules Fitness Programs Membership Early Childhood
Welcome to the Cross Island YMCA! Our Y is more than just a gym featuring state-of-the-art exercise equipment and an indoor pool. Our adaptive programs, education classes, and comprehensive childcare create a community committed to helping you achieve your goals. Previous Next Our Spaces View Virtual Tour Leadership Staff La-Vena FrancisVice President, Field Operationslhlewis@ymcanyc.org718-551-9306 Bharathi LyerMembership Sales & Engagement Directoriyerb@ymcanyc.org718-551-9333 Byresha WaitheYouth & Family Directorbwaithe@ymcanyc.org718-551-9300 Ext. 6120 Michelle MallayEarly Childhood Directormmallay@ymcanyc.org718-551-9313 Lisa LoshAquatics Directorllosh@ymcanyc.org718-551-9308 Dianne DiPeriAssistant Aquatics Directorddiperi@ymcanyc.org718-551-9300 Ext. 6159 Donald JohnsonHealthy Lifestyles Directordojohnson@ymcanyc.org718-551-9326 Owen SalmonBusiness Managerosalmon@ymcanyc.org718-551-9300 Ext. 6107 Anller PenaBuilding & Grounds Superintendent anpena@ymcanyc.org718-551-9311 History The Cross Island branch began in 1955 as an extension of the Central Queens branch, which had been a fixture in the Jamaica part of the borough since 1917. The impetus for establishing YMCA programs came in part because of increasing youth delinquency, leading local business owners and members of service organizations to advocate for the expansion of YMCA programs as a means of combatting teen violence. The Central Queens branch agreed to assist, and the Eastern Queens branch opened in a donated storefront on Springfield Avenue in Queens Village, with limited professional staff and help from local churches and schools.The shoestring operation was instantly successful-- so much so that plans for a building emerged not long after the branch began operations. A purpose-built building wasn't opened, however, until 1965. Located at 238-10 Hillside Avenue, in the Bellerose neighborhood, the new branch was located on land purchased from the State of New York. Despite its new building, Eastern Queens retained its status as an extension of Central Queens until 1974.In 1979, the YMCA once again acquired state land adjacent to the building when Jack Kleinoder, a longtime supporter of the Eastern Queens branch, made the purchase on behalf of the YMCA. Fundraising for an addition began in 1983, with Mr. Kleinoder taking a leading role, and a significant addition to the 1965 building, named after the branch's benefactor, was opened in 1987. The addition allowed the branch to strengthen its focus on accessibility, which included nationally recognized swimming and other programs for disabled children and adults. In 1989, the branch name officially changed to the Cross Island Y and in 1991 was designated an aquatic training center for the Special Olympics. More from the YMCA Fitness Classes Get healthier and have fun doing it. Find a Class Personal Training Take your fitness to the next level by signing up with a personal trainer. Get Started Join the Y Get discounts on programs, and access to gyms, pools, and fitness classes. Membership Options
Welcome to the Cross Island YMCA! Our Y is more than just a gym featuring state-of-the-art exercise equipment and an indoor pool. Our adaptive programs, education classes, and comprehensive childcare create a community committed to helping you achieve your goals. Previous Next Our Spaces View Virtual Tour Leadership Staff La-Vena FrancisVice President, Field Operationslhlewis@ymcanyc.org718-551-9306 Bharathi LyerMembership Sales & Engagement Directoriyerb@ymcanyc.org718-551-9333 Byresha WaitheYouth & Family Directorbwaithe@ymcanyc.org718-551-9300 Ext. 6120 Michelle MallayEarly Childhood Directormmallay@ymcanyc.org718-551-9313 Lisa LoshAquatics Directorllosh@ymcanyc.org718-551-9308 Dianne DiPeriAssistant Aquatics Directorddiperi@ymcanyc.org718-551-9300 Ext. 6159 Donald JohnsonHealthy Lifestyles Directordojohnson@ymcanyc.org718-551-9326 Owen SalmonBusiness Managerosalmon@ymcanyc.org718-551-9300 Ext. 6107 Anller PenaBuilding & Grounds Superintendent anpena@ymcanyc.org718-551-9311 History The Cross Island branch began in 1955 as an extension of the Central Queens branch, which had been a fixture in the Jamaica part of the borough since 1917. The impetus for establishing YMCA programs came in part because of increasing youth delinquency, leading local business owners and members of service organizations to advocate for the expansion of YMCA programs as a means of combatting teen violence. The Central Queens branch agreed to assist, and the Eastern Queens branch opened in a donated storefront on Springfield Avenue in Queens Village, with limited professional staff and help from local churches and schools.The shoestring operation was instantly successful-- so much so that plans for a building emerged not long after the branch began operations. A purpose-built building wasn't opened, however, until 1965. Located at 238-10 Hillside Avenue, in the Bellerose neighborhood, the new branch was located on land purchased from the State of New York. Despite its new building, Eastern Queens retained its status as an extension of Central Queens until 1974.In 1979, the YMCA once again acquired state land adjacent to the building when Jack Kleinoder, a longtime supporter of the Eastern Queens branch, made the purchase on behalf of the YMCA. Fundraising for an addition began in 1983, with Mr. Kleinoder taking a leading role, and a significant addition to the 1965 building, named after the branch's benefactor, was opened in 1987. The addition allowed the branch to strengthen its focus on accessibility, which included nationally recognized swimming and other programs for disabled children and adults. In 1989, the branch name officially changed to the Cross Island Y and in 1991 was designated an aquatic training center for the Special Olympics. More from the YMCA Fitness Classes Get healthier and have fun doing it. Find a Class Personal Training Take your fitness to the next level by signing up with a personal trainer. Get Started Join the Y Get discounts on programs, and access to gyms, pools, and fitness classes. Membership Options