 The University City YMCA begins the new year with a far-reaching makeover that goes well beyond fresh paint – though there is plenty of that, too.
The Y held an open house last week to show off the finished work to members and visitors.
Some changes are apparent, such as new flooring, furniture and cardio equipment.
Other less obvious changes include improved surveillance system, parking-lot lighting and signage.
Wear and tear on the 13-year-old building prompted some of the work, said Y spokesperson Jennifer Wendt. “We also want to keep the facility up-to-par with the continually evolving marketplace,” she said. “We needed to add flat-screen TVs. We needed more room in the fitness area.”
Three heavily used areas received the most attention:
• The main lobby has new furniture, paint and flooring, along with a reconfigured member-services desk to make the area more spacious. “We felt we could open it up and make it more of a meeting space where people could meet and socialize,” Wendt said.
• The fitness center received new flat-screen TVs, improved cardio equipment and upgraded lighting, along with a new arrangement to add space and windows.
• Locker rooms have fresh shower tile and paint and new vanities and countertops. The steam room and sauna also got facelifts. “Women love their upgraded, new locker rooms, “Wendt said. “The showers, especially, have been the biggest improvement for a lot of members.”
MORE CHANGES TO COME
More renovations are on the way, Wendt added. Thanks to a grant from the Belk Foundation, the Y will renovate space around the administrative offices later this year for expanded preschool and after-school programs.
The branch currently serves about 300 children using “cottages” – much like portable classrooms – behind the main building. Bringing the children into the building “is going to be a huge benefit,” Wendt said. The Y hopes to have the work done in time for the start of school next fall.
University City’s Y sits on a 31-acre campus overlooking W.T. Harris Boulevard and Mallard Creek Road. The facility includes a large fitness center, indoor heated pool, outdoor water park, indoor and outdoor tracks, playground, sports fields and a health center operated by Carolinas Medical Center.
Programs include group exercise, fitness appointments, youth and adult sports and nutritional education.
To learn about the University City YMCA facility and programs, visit its website at http://www.ymcacharlotte.org/university; call 704-716-6700; or come to the facility at 8100 Old Mallard Creek Road, between Mallard Creek Road and IBM Drive. The branch is open 5 a.m.-9:30 p.m. weekdays, 7 a.m.-7 p.m. Saturdays and 1-6 p.m. Sundays.
YOUTH SPORTS SIGNUPS BEGIN
Spring signups are under way through March 5 for youth soccer, baseball and flag football. Several of the offerings are co-ed. Cost is $80 per child for YMCA members, $110 for non-members. Come to the Y’s front desk to register. For more information, call Sports Director Clay Massenburg at 704-716-6766 or visit www.ymcacharlotte.org/university.
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