The New Berlin YMCA Wellness Center, New Berlin, Wisconsin, opened its 7,000-square-foot fitness facility geared toward active older adults. It is the first of its kind in the country, according to the Y, which recognizes the emerging need for a space in the community to help active adults achieve and maintain their health and wellness despite their age or ability. The wellness center is unique because it caters to its target market of golden agers through its selection of programming and equipment. The strength line of equipment, in addition to medical-grade pieces of equipment, are available to those with mobility issues. A teaching kitchen highlights combining healthy eating with exercise.
Traditional-style locker rooms from almost 20 years ago will be replaced with inclusive locker rooms at the YMCA of Ithaca and Tompkins County, Ithaca, New York, according to the Ithaca Journal. The Y plans to begin renovations of the men’s and women’s locker rooms into universal locker rooms on Sept. 1 with money already raised, but it is seeking additional funds to complete the renovations. The plan is to restructure the locker room space into two large gender-neutral spaces with multiple private changing pods, which is part of a larger trend at YMCAs.
American 1 Credit Union gave a $600,000 capital contribution to build a new Jackson YMCA in downtown Jackson, Michigan. The gift came with naming rights for the new building's main entrance where it can offer financial education classes. The A1CU investment brings the total pledge contributions to $14 million so far in a $25 million campaign started about 18 months ago, according to the Y. The current facility is more than 60 years old and membership is at an all-time high with more than 4,000 weekly visits.
A $3.9 million aquatic facility has opened at the Douglas County YMCA, Roseburg, Oregon. The center includes a pool with easy-access steps, a water slide inside a custom-built tree house, a larger shallow family area and a projector with a screen on the wall above the pool so members can watch movies and videos while in the pool. The facility also features a sauna, viewing area, locker rooms and two hydrotherapy pools. Building improvements were also made to the electrical, fire and climate systems, according to KPIC. A steam room is also under construction.
A $15.6 million, two-year-long expansion of the Marshfield Clinic Health System YMCA, Marshfield, Wisconsin, has been completed. The state-of-the-art facility features a Healthy Living Center with 24/7 access, strength training center, field house, track, welcome center and community room. Remodeled areas include group exercise rooms, a child watch area and a lounge. According to the Y, the revitalization of this YMCA brings to fruition the goals of the 2016 partnership between the Marshfield Area YMCA and the Marshfield Clinic Health System to serve people through a range of health and wellness programs and services by sharing resources.
The Evansville Downtown YMCA, Evansville, Indiana, is slated to open Sept. 5 after more than a year of construction, according to Tristate Homepage. The 80,000-square-foot building’s main space features areas for children and teens with a game room and class space. The second floor has an open concept and spaces for group workout classes. The building contains areas for wellness and cycling and cardio and boxing studios. A hot yoga room is a new addition to the Y.