May 1, 2008 issue
Avery YMCA Aquatics Center Opens Saturday
Story by Jason R. Sakurai
Completing the second phase of the YMCA of Avery County’s ambitious building plan, the Indoor Aquatics Center opens this Saturday, May 3. The Avery County YMCA, located adjacent to Charles A. Cannon Jr. Memorial Hospital in the Sloop Medical Plaza complex in Newland, is one of 2,663 YMCAs in the United States. With the addition of the pool, which joins the existing Wellness & Fitness Center, the Avery County YMCA has grown from 6,200 square feet to 30,000 square feet.
YMCA Executive Director Kim McLaughlin emphasized, “No county tax money was involved in the building of the center. All capital funding came from foundations, grants and individuals. We have raised over $7 million in only a year and a half since we began our fundraising efforts, and there remains about $1.2 million to go to complete the project….The Cannon, Dickson and Cousins Foundations were the main contributors, but I also want to acknowledge the local resorts and private clubs who helped to make it happen. As a 501(c)(3) charitable organization, we are here to serve the community and our members.”
Membership in the Avery YMCA is open to everyone. “You don’t have to be an Avery County resident to join,” McLaughlin continued. “There are special rates for seniors, students and families, and there is also financial assistance available if you are unable to pay the full amount of the monthly fees. We will never turn anyone away, and depending on your income, you can receive anywhere from 10 percent to 100 percent of the monthly membership fees.”
The Avery County YMCA currently has 1,000 members, with 1,800 people enjoying this state-of-the-art center. A dedication ceremony will be held at the YMCA on June 21. More details will be announced as the plans are finalized.
Among the many features of the YMCA is a Kids’ Zone; childcare for kids from 6 weeks to 8 years old, offered as a free service for members while they are working out, that opened this week; and the XRKade, an interactive fitness zone based around video games that has been in operation since February.
In May and part of June, the YMCA will conduct a membership drive, and anyone who joins during this period will receive a gift bag filled with products.
The YMCA of Avery County is located at 435 Hospital Drive in Linville. For operating hours, a schedule of events and more information, call 828-737-5500 or click to www.averyymca.org .
Avery YMCA Membership Fees
The Avery County YMCA is open to everyone, and fees are adjusted based on income level. Here are the standard monthly and one-time joining fees:
Single Adult 18+: $40 monthly, $50 one-time fee
Couple: $55 monthly, $75 one-time fee
Family: $60 monthly, $75 one-time fee
Seniors 65 & over: $35 monthly, $50 one-time fee
Students 16+: $25 monthly, $25 one-time fee
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