The grand opening of the 24,000-square-foot Bonita Springs (FL) YMCA almost a year after its controversial closing drew more than 1,000 people and resulted in 300 membership units sold, which equates to 796 members, The News-Press reported. The Y held an open house with food, face painting and swimming, among other activities.
Ken Modzelewski, CEO of the South County YMCA, reopened the Bonita Springs YMCA under its management. He thanked the community for its support as well as the support of the Walmart Foundation, which donated $100,000 to the Y.
The YMCA of the Palms, Naples, FL, closed the Bonita YMCA on May 31, 2011, after the facility experienced declining membership and revenue. On May 1, 2012, the South County YMCA, Venice, FL, which oversees branches in Venice, Englewood, Fort Myers and Cape Coral, bought the Bonita building for $400,000.
The fitness room was outfitted with $300,000 worth of cardio machines and weight equipment. Fitness classes include group cycling, boot camp, kickboxing, Pilates, yoga, yoga-lates, toning, water exercise and Zumba. Sports leagues are scheduled to start in July, The News-Press reported.