Madison Area YMCA Unveils New Teen Center

A generous donation to the Madison Area YMCA from a long-time member has made it possible for the YMCA to move its teen center to a new, larger location near the main entrance.

The YMCA celebrated the grand opening and dedication of the Boszhardt Family Teen Center on Thursday afternoon with Andrew Boszhardt, the Harding resident whose donation made the project happen, in attendance.

It was one of several ribbon cuttings held at the community center over the past two months as the YMCA, which is celebrating its 50th year at its Kings Road location, has completed a number of improvements to the facility.

In September, it cut the ribbon on its Kids Central area, which includes a gym for children and babysitting, and an improved fitness center with new equipment. It also has installed new, brighter lighting for its pool and basketball court.

Boszhardt, an investment manager and venture capitalist, said he was delighted to be part of the project. He grew up going to gyms and community centers in the midwest and is comfortable around them, he said.

He joined the Madison Area YMCA in 1989, and played basketball with his son, Andrew, there.

He also got to know Neil O'Donnell, the Madison High School alumnus who became an NFL quarterback and also has donated to the YMCA, as a member.

The Teen Center includes a vintage pinball machine, wireless Internet, foosball and video game systems. A YMCA-Madison Borough partnership enables Madison teens to participate in after-school and Friday evening Teen Scene programs for free. Teens from neighboring communities who are YMCA members also can participate for free. Teens from other towns who are not Y members are welcome to participate and pay a fee.

The Madison Area YMCA serves residents from Madison, Chatham, Harding, Florham Park and East Hanover and has around 10,000 members.

More information about its teen programs is available on its website.