YMCA and community leaders gathered this past Wednesday to celebrate plans to begin the expansion of the Kirk Family YMCA, located in downtown Roanoke.
The Kirk Family YMCA is a branch of the YMCA of the Roanoke Valley and was opened in the fall of 2004. The new “Y” was well received by the community and membership has steadily grown to the point that it has already outgrown the facility.
An enthusiastic group was on hand for the ceremony that was concluded outdoors after some morning rain showers nearly kept the entire event inside. Cal Johnson, Executive Director of the YMCA of the Roanoke Valley said, “We are here to break ground for an expanded facility that will help us continue to provide programs that focus on youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility.”
John Carlin, a YMCA board member and longtime Y supporter, reiterated that “it’s all about the kids” and our community.
In fact, once the local leaders and dignitaries had their official groundbreaking ceremony, the golden shovels and hard hats were passed to a group of YMCA youngsters who also had their opportunity to make it “official.”
New Roanoke City Manager Chris Morrill joined Mayor Bowers in congratulating the YMCA, and noting the close partnership the Y has forged with the city. “The YMCA is an important part of our community,” Bowers said, “and we are delighted to be here to celebrate its latest success.”
Sam Cannon, President of the Kirk Family YMCA Board of Directors, noted that “the expansion will include the addition of 5000 square feet to the current Wellness center doubling the size of that facility. Then, beneath that addition, there will be a 5000 square foot Youth Center.”
Cannon’s 11-year-old daughter Alexa stood with her father at the podium and added that “the youth center will have all kinds of physical and interactive activities and games for kids, and will be designed for us to have fun and stay active.” The center will make it easier for families to go to the Y together, knowing the kids will have even more to do while their parents are there.
Johnson thanked the wide base of support, from city leaders, corporate supporters, board members to Y members and employees, and observed that most days the facility is brimming with activity, nearly running out of space for some of the well-attended exercise classes. He also noted that the goal of 1.25 million had been raised a few months back, but with the uncertain economic downturn they decided to wait and make sure it was prudent to move ahead with the expansion.
Fortunately, that is now the case, and Y members and friends are eagerly anticipating the project’s completion. Other renovations planned include upgrading the lighting for the aquatics center, enlarging group exercise and cycling studios, creating additional space in the child watch area for infant care, and adding automatic doors at both entrances.
City Manager Chris Morrill also spoke, mentioning that his very first job was lifeguarding for a YMCA camp – also joking that might have been “the best job [he] ever had.” He added that in addition to the Y’s focus on “body, mind, and spirit,” he believes that the Y also “builds communities – that’s what it’s about.”
Bill Kirk, past president of the YMCA Board of Directors, learned to swim as a child at the old Y facility that used to be across the street. Kirk led the campaign to raise support to build both the Kirk Family YMCA and the Salem Family YMCA facilities. Kirk explained that when it came time to build the new facility, “the decision was made to keep the Y downtown to continue to bring a sense of community to downtown.” He said the Y is “a great place to grow up in … and a great place to grow old in.”
YMCA officials expect construction on the wellness center addition to be completed by the end of the year, with the Youth Center being ready by spring.
By Cheryl Hodges [email protected]
