By Andrew Edwards
Staff Writer
It’s been a year and four months since Grandview YMCA broke ground on their new, all-purpose building that will feature a new gym, aerobics room, improved parking, play structure for children, and entrance/lobby area.
“We’re essentially getting a whole new YMCA,” said Executive Director Bill Meyers.
Initially projected to be completed in the winter of 20’/21’, the project was delayed from March 2020 to August of last year due to the coronavirus pandemic.
“It was a tough time for all of us, but we’ve been supported by our Y’ members and people from the community every step of the way,” Meyers said.
Now, the new campus will be open and operational this May, which could be a blessing in disguise as summer rolls in.
“We’re so, so excited to open this thing up and let community members come in and try out all the new rooms and gym equipment that we’re going to be bringing in,” Meyers said. “We usually have over 500 kids sign up for summer camp, so it’ll feel like it’s tying all together as they both kick off at once”.
Summer camp participants and adults used to have to share the same buildings as activities and classes would overlap. Meyers said that issue will be resolved.
“We’ve basically doubled the size of our YMCA. Our gym is two times bigger, and the extra rooms for activities in this new building will eliminate the need for our adult members to use the buildings that our summer camp kids will be in,” Meyers said.
One surprising renovation that was announced later in the process was the addition of new flooring for the indoor basketball/volleyball court. Those renovations are expected to be completed later this month.
“The indoor court was built back in 1997, so it was time for an upgrade. It used to have rubber tile, but now it’s going to have nice hardwood flooring like you see at the collegiate level. This is truly going to enhance youth sports for us,” Meyers said.
Meyers also thanked Stanhope Elmore High School for allowing the YMCA to use their gym for their spring volleyball games.
“We’re so appreciative of SEHS and how they’ve worked with us – allowing us to use their gym for spring volleyball. They didn’t have to do that, but they welcomed us in with open arms,” Meyers said.
The end goal for Grandview YMCA is to bring about the best experience for their members, which is why they felt upgrades to their facility were so necessary.
“We’re here to serve the children and families of the river region. We’re blessed to have been a part of this revitalization project, but we’re ready to get it open and have community members involved as well,” Meyers said.
If you’re interested in signing your child up for summer camp, there’s a $25 registration fee this month, and a $50 one starting on May 1st. For other Grandview YMCA related questions, you can reach their front office at 334-290-9622.
