Renovations Progress As YMCA Celebrates 75 Years

 

After years of serving as a fitness facility, the Downtown YMCA is still in good shape. Now, a bit of sprucing-up and a grand birthday bash are in store for the historic structure. The Downtown YMCA is celebrating its 75th year at 316 N. Wilkinson Street this September, and ongoing remodeling plans are progressing nicely.

Renovations currently underway include a fitness room expansion that will create more than 600 square feet of additional space. The expanded area will allow for new cardio fitness machines and five new Nautilus apparatus. The Downtown YMCA spent $100,000 this past spring repairing the roof, and $85,000 will go toward the fitness room expansion this fall. As part of the ongoing timeline for renovation, organization officials have planned for about $315,000 in interior renovations to occur during the next 18 months.

Despite ongoing renovations, the Downtown YMCA remains a popular spot for exercising, swimming and socializing. "We have more members now than ever before," said Ben Davis, Associate Executive Director. "The facility is very accessible to both downtown workers and residents. From owners of new downtown lofts and white-collar professionals to those of lower economic means, we are able to serve the downtown community at large."

The Downtown YMCA's celebration of 75 years at its current facility will run September 20-30. Activities will include several athletic contests, a fitness fundraiser, a synchronized swimming demonstration, and a family carnival on September 25. Visitors can take "a walk down history lane" as YMCA memorabilia from personal collections and the Wright State University archives will be on display in the lobby. For more information, contact the Downtown YMCA at (937) 228-9622.