The East Suburban Family YMCA plans to expand and improve its facility along Route 286.

YMCA officials were planning to expand in conjunction with a regional wellness center project led by the Plum Senior Community Center. Those plans fell through, but feasibility studies showed a need for more YMCA services in the area.

Now, YMCA officials plan to upgrade their 53-acre site in Plum Borough with help from the YMCA of Greater Pittsburgh's capital campaign. East Suburban is one of five branches that will receive funding from this campaign, which is expected to raise $35 million.

This project is expected to bring a state-of-the-art facility to the Plum site, which also serves Monroeville and Murrysville, as well. Plans include an indoor pool, wellness center and a second floor.

Renovations are planned for playground areas for toddlers and preschoolers. The outdoor pool has new lifeguard chairs, and there are plans for a splash pad.

Ben Raible, the new youth, teen and adult program director, plans to add more teen-friendly programs this year.

East Suburban is expanding with its growing membership. A total of 500 new memberships have been added over the last five years. More than 250 of those memberships were established within the last year.

To accommodate new members, a new studio room with 18 bikes for spinning classes was added. The room is also used for children's dance classes and PraiseMoves sessions.

The building got a facelift when PPG donated paint and FedEx and Respironics donated manpower to repaint the hallways and gymnasium.

The increase in membership also has led to an increase in confidential scholarships, which are offered to families who could not otherwise afford to join. The Campaign for Strong Communities seeks to raise $70,000 to continue the scholarships.

The YMCA provides several programs including child care, before- and after-school programs and summer camp.

Increased membership also is leading YMCA management to consider a satellite site in Delmont to house a wellness center closer to members who live in the Delmont and Export area.

Developer Richard Kacin has been involved with the YMCA since the early 1960s and served on the board at one time. The East Suburban building bears his father's name.

Kacin said since the facility was chartered in 1964, it has been supported by the communities of Plum, Murrysville and Monroeville over the years through donations, fundraisers, and through the efforts of local business leaders.

In 1975, $300,000 in contributions made it possible to build the program center. In 1995, the center was remodeled to include a fitness center, locker rooms and a full-service gymnasium.

In the Campaign for Strong Communities, businesses can contribute at a "Banner Level" which means that if a company donates $1,200 dollars or more, a two-sided banner will be hung in the hallway of the YMCA.

Donations of $600 to $1,199 will garner a one-sided banner to be hung on the wall in the gym.

Bill Cramer, an East Suburban YMCA board member, said there is a continued need for community support and the board plans to hold public meetings periodically to keep residents informed.

At the first meeting last week, Larry Stormer, executive director, gave a "State of the YMCA" address.

Anyone who would like to attend the meetings should contact the YMCA at 724-327-4667 to get on the invitation list.