For most of us, being healthy and fit does not include watching any body parts expand, particularly the waistline or backside. But in the case of the Fishers YMCA, well, the bigger the expansion, the better it is for everyone. In fact, key administrators of the facility think that their current building expansion efforts will not only benefit the town of Fishers, but also the surrounding communities as well.
The Fishers branch, located at 9012 E. 126th St., has partnered with St. Vincent Health to launch an ambitious program that will include a new 3,900 sq. ft. St. Vincent Physical Therapy Center. In addition, the facility will boast an expanded Wellness Center, Child Watch area, and will include the addition of a non-denominational chapel for member use.
Fishers YMCA Executive Director Gregg Hiland is well-aware that the facility, which has the largest membership count in Indiana at 22,500, has had a need for more room. “Our goal is to make sure that the families we serve have the opportunities they need to use our facility and enjoy our services,” says Hiland.
“With our St. Vincent partnership, we will be able to offer members our own benefits and expertise, as well as the therapeutic aspects from professionals in a way that has not been seen before” adds Hiland.
“We look forward to the staff of St. Vincent’s to be occupying their space by November of this year,” says Hiland. “Those who are suffering injuries or who need help with assessing physical conditions will benefit from having physical therapists right under the same room.”
More frequent health screenings will be another benefit for members as a result of the new center. A partnership with St. Vincent also will be seen in the Pike YMCA, located on the west side of Indianapolis.
Once the entire expansion is finished, the facility also will offer a number of additional upgrades and improvements. These include: 30 additional pieces of cardio equipment; a beginner fitness area, as well as upgraded consulting space; an expanded cycling room, doubled in size; and a multipurpose room expansion with a mirrored wall, ballet bar and a movable dividing wall.
David Clark, Member Involvement Director, says that families and children in particular will see great changes to benefit their YMCA experience. “Our expanded family area will serve to offer a relaxed, open atmosphere for members. We will also have an improved childcare check-in service in order to reduce some of the congestion that we’ve experienced in the past.”
And for the first time, the facility will have a private chapel accessible through the front lobby, in order to provide a quiet retreat for those who need to meditate, reflect or just get away for some alone time.
The overall cost of the project, which comes in at an estimated $1.7 million, is being funded by a capital campaign in the form of donations and pledges. Currently, only $1.3 million has been secured. The St. Vincent facility will be the first portion of the expansion to be completed; the Wellness Center and Child Watch Area will not be completed until more funds have been obtained. Hiland says they are still actively seeking contributions to raise the funds needed to continue work on the rest of the expansion.
“Our organization is here to serve the community,” says Hiland. The YMCA, which is a not-for-profit organization, is unique in that it doesn’t turn people away. In 2008, the branch awarded $562,000 in financial assistance. They are on track to give away $600,000 in financial assistance for 2009.
“One of our goals is to help with normalcy for the family,” says Hiland “Our facility provides ways for families to be active together, to grow and learn in a healthy environment, which ultimately improves our community.”
If you have questions regarding the expansion, or would like to inquire about financial contribution opportunities, contact Hiland at (317) 595-9622.
