The Walker Family YMCA is bigger and better!!!!
On May 15, the St. Catharines Walker Family YMCA celebrated a decade of service to the community. For our 10,000 St. Catharines YMCA members, the sound of jackhammers and drills and the sight of dump trucks and cranes have been a constant reminder over the past few months that the Walker branch was under construction. As part of the celebrations we held the Grand Opening of the newly renovated facilities, culminating with dignitaries, volunteers and families christening the new Splash Pad.
Fitness Centre
The new 3,300 sq. ft. fitness centre expansion created additional space to meet current members' needs and to create a private, more supportive workout environment for those new to exercise or those with health/fitness challenges.
The Walker Family YMCA fitness centre expansion includes:
- Enhanced cardio area with 72 pieces of cardio equipment
- Studio for YMCA Cyclefit classes
- Stretching area
- Getting Started Beginner area
- Improved lighting and air handling
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The YMCA of Niagara is committed to remaining "as new," relevant and able to meet the changing needs of our members and the community. Refining services and facilities enables the YMCA to focus on building strong kids, strong families and strong communities. Renewal plans for the Walker Family YMCA consisted of a capital campaign, facility capital improvements and renovations and new operational practices.
Moms with Young Sons Change room
Since the Walker Branch opened, this changeroom has struggled to adequately serve mothers with young sons. This fall we renovated and refurbished this changeroom to create additional change space and lockers. The newly renovated Moms and Sons change room opened on January 19. This redesign provides more floor space for changing, larger lockers and a better layout to accommodate peak period flow through the room. The purpose of the Moms with young sons change room is to provide mothers and sons (6 years and under), a private place to change. This also gives consideration to other members using the general changeroom.
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Splash Pad
The Splash Zone is a fenced in play area that features a coloured rubber surface and 6 spray features. Push a button and get wet! Parents will be required to supervise children in this area and benches will provide a perfect place to watch. The splash pad opened in July 2004 and helped children stay cool and have fun throughout the summer.
Youth Development Centre
The YMCA serves over 6000 youth through membership, day camp and community programs. To enhance youth programming, plans are underway to add a resource room and renovate to allow for youth programming.
Membership Sales and Service Desk
In October 2002 we introduced a new membership card swipe system and bring your own lock practice to provide simpler, quicker entry and exit into the facility. We are working on plans to further enhance member service with renovations to the service desk.
Stay Involved
Do you have comments or suggestions about our renewal, equipment and atmosphere? Have your say by contacting Pat Davis, Centre Manager at
pdavis@ymcaofniagara.ca
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