Greenpoint Y: Is Greenpoint Walkable?

The Greenpoint YMCA has been devoted to the health and well-being of Greenpoint and Williamsburg residents for over 120 years. The Greenpoint YMCA offers a 24-hour cardio center and a 24-hour strength training room, gym, free-weight room, pool, sauna, over 50 classes and personal fitness coaching free to its members. The Greenpoint YMCA also hosts free health-promoting events for the community, such as Healthy Kids Day—an annual event which celebrates making fitness fun, and teaches kids how to make healthy choices—and America on the Move Week—a week of free activities designed to show anyone seeking a healthier lifestyle how making just small changes can get them on their way to wellness.

In the lead-up to this year’s America on the Move Week, the Greenpoint YMCA is conducting a neighborhood walkability study with its members and staff. Walking is a great way to improve fitness. Research by the America on the Move Foundation has shown that making two small daily changes – taking 2,000 more steps and eating 100 fewer calories – can prevent the average annual weight gain of one to two pounds. The aim of the walkability study is to promote walking as a fun way to improve one’s health, enjoy time with friends and family, or one’s own thoughts and as a wonderfully environmentally friendly way to get from place to place. Through the study, the Greenpoint YMCA also hopes to discover ways in which our community can be made more walkable.

The study works on a rating system, assessing 5 areas in detail, was there room to walk, was it easy to cross streets, did drivers behave well, was it easy to follow safety rules, was the walk pleasant. 30 total points are possible. Preliminary results show that areas within an 8-block radius of the Greenpoint YMCA’s facility at 99 Meserole Avenue rate an average score of 19.25. The 8-block area scored highest in being a pleasant walk and scored lowest in driver behavior. The most commonly indicated concerns were drivers not yielding to people crossing the street, drivers running traffic lights or stop signs, and traffic signals not allowing ample time for pedestrians to cross the street.

If you would like to contribute to the study, you are invited to join a group walk as part of the Greenpoint YMCA’s America on the Move Week Kick-Off Celebration on Saturday, September 20th. Results will be reported, along with those of other NYC YMCA’s to the YMCA of Greater New York.

The Greenpoint YMCA’s America on the Move Week Kick-Off Celebration, co-sponsored by Amway Global, will also include a Healthy Family Picnic, open Kick & Punch Class, free chair massage, a 3-on-3 Teen Basketball Tournament, Family Night celebrating Latino Heritage and Free Family Swim. For more information, please contact the Greenpoint YMCA’s Health & Wellness Director, Aynsley Kirshenbaum at (718) 389-3700, ext. 4417