The “soft opening” of The Bedford Center YMCA was Monday, and around 1,000 visitors came on the first day, said Molly Fox, a city spokesperson.

The YMCA of Metropolitan Fort Worth is operating the Center, which cost around $40 million. Residents get a discounted membership.

Funds came from a $70 million bond package to pay for major improvements to the park that voters approved in 2017.

Pool seen at night. 
City of Bedford

City manager Jimmy Stathatos said Bedford’s partnership with the YMCA is saving around $600,000 in maintenance and operating costs. In May, Stathatos told the City Council that the savings could go toward hiring more police officers and firefighters.

“So far, the response has been overwhelmingly positive and I can’t wait for residents to come in and make lasting memories, meet new friends, and crush their goals at this state-of-the-art facility,” Stathatos said.

The center, at 2801 Forest Ridge Drive, is in Generations Park at Boys Ranch, the former site of the Bedford Boys Ranch.

Among the many highlights of the re-imagined park, Fox said, is a three-sided sculpture between The Center and the lake that shows the various phases of the history, from its beginning as the Bedford Boys Ranch to its use as a park.

The Center at Generations Park in Bedford features a lap pool. The $40 million center is operated by the YMCA.
City of Bedford

“The history of the Boys Ranch is incredibly important to Bedford and this sculpture will serve as a lasting tribute and educational piece for the community to enjoy,” Fox said.

The piece was designed by Jess Green, a sculpture major who graduated from the University of North Texas. Green now works for the city as the cultural arts assistant.

The recreation center includes an indoor aquatic area with two slides, lap lanes, therapeutic hot tub, handicapped lift, lap lane, and a children’s play feature. Other amenities include a gym with basketball courts and striping for pickleball, fitness rooms, party rooms, a large community room with banquet seating for 250 people, and a second floor fitness mezzanine with a walking track and free weights.

The aquatics area at The Center includes two slides. Bedford residents get a discount on the YMCA memberships.
City of Bedford

Work is underway on the outdoor water park and the construction fences are being removed at the playground, Fox said.

Bedford is also applying for a grant to build tennis and pickleball courts in the northeast area of the park.

Mike E. Brown Jr., the president and CEO of YMCA of Metropolitan Fort Worth, noted the large turnout on the center’s first day.

“We had more than 1,000 people check in on the first day,” Brown said in a statement. “That is the level engagement we hope to see. While we are celebrating this moment, we also recognize there is still a lot to do. But that is exactly why we have a soft opening, to introduce the programs, facility and amenities to the community and allow them the opportunity to tell us what additions or adjustments we need to make to meet their needs.”

Brown said several people have commented that they didn’t know how much the YMCA does.

“At the core, the Y strengthens communities, and the Bedford Center YMCA allows us to reach and serve at a scope that the previous location just couldn’t support. We are grateful the City of Bedford has provided us the opportunity to do what we do best –serve and strengthen communities.”

This story was originally published January 4, 2023 3:07 PM.