YMCA’s New Programs Help Keep the Community Healthy
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For more than 50 years‚ the San Angelo YMCA was able to provide a full roster of services to the community despite being housed in an aging community gym. All that changed in 2005‚ when the ribbon was cut on a new‚ $4.9 million facility.
And San Angelo residents have taken notice.
Since moving into the 35‚000-square-foot building downtown‚ membership has almost quadrupled and now numbers more than 4‚000‚ says Jim Heiman‚ chief executive officer.
“The adage of‚ ‘If you build it‚ they will come’ has proven so true here‚” Heiman says. “When this facility was being built the board was adamant in promising the community that they would not borrow money to get it done‚ and so the pledges kept coming in throughout the process. And when the new Y opened‚ memberships just skyrocketed.”
For Heiman‚ who came to the San Angelo Y in January 2005‚ the building is much more than a family-oriented place to relax and exercise.
“We have senior citizens‚ babies and all groups in between‚” he says. “The pool has been a focal point‚ as has our wellness center and the gym.”
With its downtown location‚ the Y had to work with city planners to utilize its land in such a way that it would fit into the historic area. That wasn’t a problem‚ Heiman says‚ and the location adjacent to a city park has worked to further bolster the facility’s community presence.
“People are coming in here‚ joining the group fitness classes‚ really enjoying the facility‚” Heiman says. “Part of the national YMCA’s mission is a program called “Active America‚” so we’re pushing from a national and local standpoint to get people involved‚ to realize that it’s fun to have an active lifestyle.
“This new building has been a huge tool for us in terms of getting people in here from all walks of life‚ and letting them realize that they can have fun and socialize while walking on the treadmill or taking a water aerobics class.”
Going forward‚ the Y’s board of directors is looking at everything from expanded programs to new offerings‚ including eventually adding onto the building. And whether it’s a new gymnastics program for smaller children or new activities for its senior members‚ San Angelo residents can count on the YMCA to keep things fresh.
“The original footprint of the build ing was modified when we built‚ due to costs at the time‚ so we have some room on the property to grow‚” Heiman says. “Our staff doesn’t let any dust settle around here. They’re always working on something new and exciting‚ so I’m sure within the next few years we’ll be looking at using that space.
“And since it was originally in the plans‚ we’ll be able to incorporate any new additions in such a way that there’ll be a nice flow in the building.”
Story by Joe Morris
Photo by Antony Boshier
