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YMCA also to have 24/7 fitness program

Van Wert independent/YMCA information

The YMCA of Van Wert County recently broke ground on its new multipurpose entrance. The new access area will allow for easy entrance for seniors and physically disabled patrons, as well as provide access to the new 24/7 YMCA facility.

For nearly a year now the YMCA has been in the planning stages on this project, working with Anderson Architects and numerous local contractors. In January the YMCA received final plan approval from the State of Ohio Department of Commerce. The new 24/7 YMCA facility will include new men’s and women’s ADA-approved bathroom facilities.  In addition, it will offer 1,400 square feet of circuit and cardio fitness equipment, 1,100 square feet of machine and free weights and nearly 10,000 square feet of gym space.

Members of the YMCA Board Executive Committee include (from the left) Eric McCracken, Beverly Fuerst, Shaun Putman, Mark Bagley, and Shad Foster, along with Y Executive Director Hugh Kocab, at the future entrance of the new multipurpose entrance, which is scheduled to open by the end of April. Missing from the photo is executive committee member Chad Adams. (YMCA photo)

“We are very excited to offer our easy access and 24/7 alternative to the Van Wert community and our membership,” said Dr. Shad Foster, YMCA board president.

What started as a discussion on creating easier access for senior members has grown to include increased access for anyone with physical disabilities, and a 24/7 exercise facility.

“Our goal is to have the new facility and access area up and operational by the end of April,” added Foster.

The YMCA will be adding additional restricted parking spots and will be expanding the sidewalks leading to the new entrance on the southeast end of the building.  The new entrance will provide a safe and convenient entry point to the 24/7, easy access entrance to the YMCA. “We will have the whole area well lit, monitored by a state of the art security camera system, and utilize a key fob member recognition system,” said YMCA Executive Director Hugh Kocab.

The YMCA has been in Van Wert for over 95 years and has continued to adjust to the needs of its membership and the community. What started as a very simple swim and gym YMCA has grown to include five gymnasiums, numerous workout rooms, a spinning studio/X-tra fit gym, a cardio fitness floor, weight rooms, massage therapy, new tanning salon and hydro massage therapy bed, a yoga room, the only full size swimming pool in the area, and the complete Camp Clay facility including a water park.

“As the premier provider of fitness opportunities for all ages, youth sports, swim classes and SilverSneakers, we want to continue to expand our services to meet the needs of our membership and the community,” added Kocab.

YMCA membership rates are as follows. Family membership rates are $51.17 a month and adult rates are $42.62 a month — 24/7 access is included in these costs.  Access key fobs will be provided to all seniors, SilverSneakers and anyone with a physical disability that have a membership, regardless of their membership costs.

The YMCA would like to thank the Van Wert County Foundation, the YMCA board of directors and some anonymous donors for making this project possible. For additional information on this and many other exciting Y happenings you can visit the Y website at www.vwymca.org or call Hugh or JJ at 419.238.0443.

The YMCA of Van Wert County is partially funded by the Van Wert County Foundation and United Way.

POSTED: 02/29/12 at 6:46 am. FILED UNDER: News