The Fayette County Family YMCA celebrated the opening of a 13,000 square foot expansion on Saturday with a ribbon cutting attended by YMCA volunteers, staff, donors, and members.

Second and third grade YMCA basketball league teams were included in the ribbon cutting and initiated the new gym with a game following the festivities. Columbus Clippers mascot, Krash, also participated in the day’s events and entertained the crowd throughout the day.

YMCA members and non-members participated in various group exercise demonstrations, pickleball, and use of the new batting cage. Many people attending the open house were curious to experience the MoveStrong Nova rig. The YMCA is offering orientations and classes on the rig, including a class for seniors on Tuesday at 10 and Thursday at 11 starting March 3. People of all ability levels, from beginners to individuals who compete in Ninja or Obstacle Course Racing, are utilizing the equipment.

The YMCA is offering membership incentives through March 2. The community is invited to come try out the YMCA facilities, classes and programs. As a result of the expansion the YMCA is also able to offer various party packages utilizing the new multipurpose room, field house, pool, and batting cage.

The expansion is also allowing the YMCA to further collaborate with local schools and non-profit agencies. The YMCA has partnered with Miami Trace Local Schools to provide opportunities in students in the alternative school program and facilities for tutoring. The YMCA also collaborates to provide facilities for some Washington Court House school activities as well as the fourth grade water safety program and before and after school enrichment with both schools. Fayette County DD and Fayette County Memorial Hospital utilize the YMCA pool for aquatic therapy.

The YMCA currently serves over 3,900 members plus hundreds of program participants. The YMCA Kid’s World of Learning at Sugar Creek currently serves almost 100 kids in its infant through pre-kindergarten enrichment program. The YMCA also serves over 100 kids in its before and after school enrichment and summer day camp programs.

For further information you can go to the YMCA’s website at faycoymca.org or call 740-335-0477.

During the event a basketball game was held in the gym.

https://www.recordherald.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2020/02/web1_basketball-game.jpgDuring the event a basketball game was held in the gym. Courtesy photos

The Columbus Clippers mascot Krash also joined the festivities on Saturday. He is shown trying out the new batting cage.

https://www.recordherald.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2020/02/web1_Krash-at-bat.jpgThe Columbus Clippers mascot Krash also joined the festivities on Saturday. He is shown trying out the new batting cage. Courtesy photos

Krash helped this batter with his game during the open house.

https://www.recordherald.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2020/02/web1_Krash-with-batter.jpgKrash helped this batter with his game during the open house. Courtesy photos

The Fayette County Family YMCA held an open house on Saturday to unveil the recent expansion to the building. Pictured is Jack Hamilton cutting the ribbon for the new 13,000 square foot expansion prior to the teams breaking in the new gym with YMCA board members, staff, and youth basketball players.

https://www.recordherald.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2020/02/web1_Ribbon-Cutting.jpgThe Fayette County Family YMCA held an open house on Saturday to unveil the recent expansion to the building. Pictured is Jack Hamilton cutting the ribbon for the new 13,000 square foot expansion prior to the teams breaking in the new gym with YMCA board members, staff, and youth basketball players. Courtesy photos