Growth Spurt

The Central Bucks Family YMCA is expanding again.
By Karen Appold

The Central Bucks Family YMCA is growing again! According to Gene Smith, YMCA President/CEO, that’s what YMCAs do.

“The YMCA was created because the community wanted us here,” says Smith, who noted that it’s not unusual for a YMCA to expand every five to 10 years. “We respond to community needs.” Its last expansion was in 2001, which grew the YMCA to 36,000 square feet.

This time around, input from local officials revealed a need for facilities that would address childhood obesity and expand wellness activities for baby boomers, youths and teens.

The project is a three-phase approach.
1.    Add a health and wellness area, pool and expanded locker rooms.
2.    Add a youth development facility to offer youth education once again.
3.    Add an outdoor pool facility and pool house to expand activities for all ages.

An expanded fitness center and spinning studio already opened April 6. That freed up room within the fitness center for more equipment, a stretching area and more programs. In June, the Inez Lenfest Aquatics Center, a new pool that provides space for therapy, instruction and recreation, will open. Inez’s son, Gerry Lenfest, funded the center and named it in his mother’s honor. Inez, 100 years old, participated in the YMCA’s aquatics program.

Board of Directors’ Chair Lou White states, “With its growth, the YMCA is expecting an increase in membership and programs. The YMCA currently has 1,500 members daily.” After the completion of phase 1, it projects having 2,000 guests daily. The revenue from increased memberships, rather than an increase in member’s dues, will offset expenses from the expansion. Donors have already contributed more than $3 million for the project.

Phase 1 will increase the YMCA’s capacity by 60 percent and cost $7.5 million. It currently offers 300 eight-week sessions and will soon offer 450. Program staff will increase from approximately 300 to 500.

The Central Bucks region continues to grow rapidly. From the years 2006 through 2011, the area is projected to grow 9 percent. The Baby Boomer population will increase 27 percent while childhood obesity is projected to increase 20 percent during this time frame.

Taking a closer look at phase 1, the 25-yard pool will offer a zero-degree entry so small children or physically-challenged individuals can easily enter at deck level in seconds. Wheel-chair bound individuals can actually roll their chairs into the water. A hydraulic lift will assist them in getting in and out of deeper waters.

“Disabilities seem to disappear when people are in the water,” Cory H. Schroeder,
Vice President of Marketing and Development, says. This is because your body feels a lot lighter, due to water’s floating properties. It’s also easier to move your body in the water.

The new pool will also expand opportunities for The Sharing and Teaching for all Abilities to Realize Self-strengths (STARS) program, which is committed to providing premier adapted physical activities that reach out to the special needs population and their families. “We work one on one and in group sessions with young people as well as adults on land-based and aquatic activities,” says Schroeder.

The therapy pool’s warmer water will appeal to individuals with arthritis and other debilitating circumstances. Warm water supports muscles and improves mobility and flexibility.

“The pool will also provide an opportunity for families to spend time together,” Schroeder says. It offers recreational elements such as a 75-foot slide. “And the Y is open to all.” Those qualifying may receive support through the Y’s Financial Assistance program.

The expansion will include additional locker room facilities for physically-challenged individuals as well as families. Two new youth locker rooms will also be added; the current ones will be for adults only. There will also be a viewing area for parents off of the pool.

Phase 2 will get underway as soon as donations to fund the project are secured.

On June 19, the YMCA will celebrate completion of phase 1 with a donor recognition gala. The new offerings of phase 1 will be fully open to the community on June 20. It will be kicked off with a big celebration.

For more information about Central Bucks Family YMCA, go to www.cbfymca.org or call (215) 348-8131.

Karen Appold is a freelance writer in Royersford (www.WriteNowServices.com).