YMCA Breaks Ground at Camp Swan
A once underused stretch of land on Elm wood Avenue is being transformed into Camp Swan—a vibrant new summer camp and com munity hub where Buffalo’s youth can learn, play, and grow together.
Buffalo, New York — YMCA Buffalo Niagara and LeChase Construction Services have officially broken ground on Camp Swan. In July, YMCA Buffalo Niagara announced plans to transform an unused parcel of land on Elmwood Avenue into the seven acre summer camp and recreation site – creating a safe, welcoming space for children and community members to learn, play and connect. LeChase Construction Services will serve as construction manager for the project, bringing valuable experience from their previous work on the Lockport YMCA project.
Once complete, Camp Swan will welcome up to 200 children each week for summer day camps and educational pro grams. The site will feature a variety of amenities including an outdoor pool, gathering spaces, and open green areas that promote active play, teamwork, and connection. Beyond its summer camp offerings, Camp Swan will host community programs, including drowning-prevention swim lessons, youth sports leagues, and collaborative events with local organizations that share the Y’s mission of strengthening the com munity through youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility.
For nearly a century, the YMCA has been a trusted partner for North Buffalo residents. Yet, despite the health benefits that come from outdoor activity, the surrounding community continues to face challenges of limited access to green space and youth-centered recreation. Compounded by issues such as poverty and food insecurity, these barriers have long impacted residents’ quality of life. The YMCA is stepping forward to change that, leading efforts to create accessible, inclusive spaces that inspire growth, strengthen families, and contribute to the ongoing revitalization of Buffalo.
“We know that every child deserves a safe, vibrant place to learn and grow, and this new project is a vital step in meeting our community’s most pressing needs. With Camp Swan we are creating opportunities to fill the gap in enrich ing summer activities, access to green space, and dedicated play areas that our Buffalo children urgently need,” said John Ehrbar, YMCA Buffalo Niagara President and CEO. “This project is a testament to the power of collective partnership, and I want to extend our deepest gratitude to all of our community stake holders, especially the William E. and Ann L. Swan Foundation, whose extraordinary generosity allows us to break ground today, and trans form this vision into a lasting reality for generations to come.”
The project has been made possible through the generosity of com munity stakeholders, including a $2.5 million lead gift from the Wil liam E. and Ann L. Swan Foundation, for whom the camp will be named. The total project cost is anticipated to be $11 mil lion. The Y continues to seek community support to bring this transformative project to life.
If you’re interested in making a contribution to support the Camp Swan project, please contact Danielle Roberts, Vice President – Develop ment & Government Relations: droberts@ YMCABN.org