A large turnout was on hand Thursday when the Highland County YMCA held a grand reopening celebration of its Diamond Drive facility, with Y officials, board members, general members and elected officials gathered to celebrate the event.
The celebration was coupled with a Highland County Chamber of Commerce Business Bash, and guests were also provided with tours of the facility, which has been spruced up since the local YMCA officially became part of the YMCA of Greater Cincinnati.
Some in attendance offered testimonies to the role the YMCA has played in their personal lives.
“The Y is a focal point and gathering place of the community,” said Highland County Commissioner Tom Horst. “My wife and I have been coming to the Highland County Family YMCA since I had heart surgery 10 years ago. I begin my day with a 5:30 a.m. workout, and it’s been a great place to help me feel better and enjoy spending time with friends.”
“The Y is a wonderful asset to our community,” said Melissa Elmore, president of the Highland County Chamber of Commerce. “The Y is a vital part of our community. It’s a safe place for kids and families to get healthier. This Y played a major role in the recovery of my son, Brandon, when, as a sixth grader he fell 15-feet while swinging on a tree vine and broke his femur. After being in the hospital for three months, he began water therapy at the Y, went faithfully, and recovered with the encouragement of the great lifeguards and staff at the Y.”
“I am very excited to be a part of this community,’ said Kellie Kaiser, director of the Highland County Family YMCA. “I would like to invite folks that haven’t been in to see us in a while to come in, take a tour and join the fun.”
The grand reopening was an opportunity for the community to meet the staff and see what’s happening at the Y, said Sheila Hinton, the YMCA executive director.
More than $70,000 in new exercise equipment, including 18 cardio machines and two pieces of strength equipment, have been added. Hinton said those who haven’t been to the Y in a while will notice new brand signage. She said there has been some painting, there’s new tile in the lobby and the gym floor and been redone.
The local YMCA kicked off its annual membership drive this month, Hinton said, and anyone who becomes a member in January will have the normal $50 membership activation fee waived. She also said that anyone who joins the YMCA from Feb. 4-14 will receive their first month of membership free.
In addition to a pool, gymnasium, running track, weight and fitness room, and sauna, Hinton said the Y offers water classes and land classes that include yoga, Zumba and Pilates. All are included in a membership. It also offers Pickleball, swimming lessons and youth programs.
A family membership, which includes two adults and any dependent children in the household, is $52.50 a month. But there are other memberships including couples, single parent family, young adult (ages 18-35), teen (ages 13-17) and senior family. There are also corporate memberships and special rates for students and veterans.
The Highland County YMCA is open from 5:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday and noon to 6 p.m. on Sunday.
Part of the information contained in this story was supplied by the YMCA.
