POWDERSVILLE — A sneak peek at the new YMCA facility closing in on its grand opening is a glimpse into the future of YMCA facilities and an eye opening breath of fresh air.

With a “soft opening” date of June 10 and over 250 kids expected for the beginning of summer camps June 6, CEO Sid Collins should be under a great deal of pressure but he has all the confidence in the world, considering the progress he has witnessed in construction.

He feels sure the June 6 deadline for summer camp will be met.

When it comes to the facility itself, while giving this preview tour, Collins is ready to get the ball rolling and knows the community is excited as well.

“We opened a Facebook event in the last few days and there are already over 200 people interested in coming out to see the new facilities,” he said. “While the Y itself won’t open until June 6 for summer camp and June 10 for members to use, May 22 we are holding a sneak peek for the community and want everyone to come out and be proud of what the community has.”

The facility is a total of 35,000 square feet and includes some impressive amenities. Included are an 8,000 square feet wellness center, locker rooms with dry and steam sauna, athletic fields with a large playground, 2,000 square feet multi-purpose room, nursery and child watch areas, an AV driven community room, Crossfit/Beast Mode facility, full high school regulation gymnasium/basketball court, and two group exercise rooms which can be combined or partitioned.

One of the top priorities in designing the facility was an eye toward security which led to the designing of the reception area, whose sight-line is capable of seeing almost all parts of the building.

“We wanted a location with an eye to security and the reception area can practically see everything, from who is entering from the parking lot to most of the workout and gym facilities, the reception area is able to see it all,” Collins said. “From this one spot you can see the gym, the wellness area, and the children’s programs. Nearly 70 percent to 80 percent can be seen from this one vantage point.”

The nursery facility will provide a 90-minute workout opportunity for parents and also provide an indoor playground similar to those at fast food restaurants. The community room will be driven by audiovisual technology and provide a venue for local businesses or organizations to rent for meetings. The wellness center is divided into thirds for different types of workouts such as cardio, Nautilus, and free weights. The Crossfit/Beast Mode area is open air providing a workout of multiple compound movements.

But the jewel in the crown may be the swimming facilities.

“We set out to raise $1.2 million to build the pool area and we are at $1.1 million,” Collins said. “When construction for the pool is complete it will have an eight lane lap pool and a pool play area for the kids, a lot like a small water park. The pool will be built as an outdoor pool and will have an inflatable bubble to enclose it during cooler weather. It will be heated and even though it is an outdoor pool can be used year round.”

And if your organization or family reunion needs a little more space, the multi-purpose room is available which allows for 100 people to gather. Still not enough room? Add in the picnic area adjacent to the multi-purpose room and you will be able to accommodate another 100 guests for a total of 200.

Although the completion of the facility is the first goal, it’s not the end all be all, according to Collins.

“Finishing the building is not the finish line but the starting line,” Collins said. “We are here to impact lives and serve the community.”

Memberships are now available. Information is available at 864-306-4119 or online at www.pcymca.net.

While it is still under construction the expected open date for the new YMCA located in Powdersville is June 10 with campers coming in June 6. Members of the community are invited to tour the facility with a sneak peek May 22.
http://pickenssentinel.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/web1_DSC_0027.jpgWhile it is still under construction the expected open date for the new YMCA located in Powdersville is June 10 with campers coming in June 6. Members of the community are invited to tour the facility with a sneak peek May 22. D. C. Moody | The Pickens Sentinel

Sid Collins proudly gives the tour of the new YMCA facility in Powdersville, highlighting the state of the art facility and all it has to offer. A pool facility along with workout options, including open air, will be available. And for organizations and businesses there will be meeting facilities to meet almost every need.
http://pickenssentinel.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/web1_DSC_0035.jpgSid Collins proudly gives the tour of the new YMCA facility in Powdersville, highlighting the state of the art facility and all it has to offer. A pool facility along with workout options, including open air, will be available. And for organizations and businesses there will be meeting facilities to meet almost every need. D. C. Moody | The Pickens Sentinel

By D. C. Moody

dmoody@civitasmedia.com

Reach D. C. Moody at 864-855-0355.