YMCA Expansion Nears Completion

The completion of the YMCA's new 10,000-square foot addition is just around the corner.

Four months of construction has brought the cavernous wing to its final stages in anticipation of an Oct. 1 opening. Officials expect to move brand-new treadmills and weight machines into the 8,800-square-foot gym space by the last week of September.

But that's just the start.

The empty space created when the exercise machines move next door will be filled with new programs and equipment. Children can expect the introduction of classes such as tumbling and tae kwon do. A "spin class" on stationary bikes will begin for adults.

The $2.25 million expansion will increase the total size of the facility at 1300 Mariner Blvd. by about 50 percent - from 20,000 square feet to 30,000.

Sue Ball, district vice president, sees the facility as a place for friends and family to hang out as much as work out.

"Fulfilling a lifestyle is our job," Ball said Wednesday over the din of construction.

With a current membership at 3,500 units, or about 9,000 people, board members rightly predicted several years ago that the facility at 1300 Mariner Blvd. would need to expand.

Ball said even with a downturn in the economy, about 100 new families are joining every month.

Dr. Jim DeLuca, a local dentist and chairman of the YMCA board, is excited that the facility is keeping pace with the growing community.

"It's a wonderful place for families," he said.

A grand opening for the entire project is set for the beginning of 2009.