The Y continues to reinvest in machines and updated equipment and facility improvements to offer our members and the community, a variety of ways to stay healthy and active and improve overall wellness, no matter what fitness level.
The Fond du Lac Family YMCA’s Gymnastics and Program Center, located at 520 N. Main Street, has been an offsite facility of the Y since June of 2008, utilized for gymnastics classes and the competitive gymnastics team. In addition, this facility hosts open gym for parents and children up to age 6. The Fond du Lac Family YMCA has extended its current lease of the program facility, and has recently undergone some significant facility upgrades. The interior of the building has undergone a complete paint job, along with new lighting throughout, offering a brighter and cleaner interior. Gymnastics equipment was reorganized within the facility, providing a better layout for practices and instruction. A professional overhaul and inspection of the heating and cooling system also recently occurred. A newly branded business sign was installed along with a new graphic design on the front and interior doors. A repaving and painting of the parking lot is planned to be completed.
In addition to building changes, the Y’s gymnastics program has undergone changes in leadership this year. Carol Beck, Gymnastics Coordinator at the Y for over 30 years, retired in March of 2015. “Thousands of gymnasts have gone through this program under Carol’s leadership, and her impact on the Fond du Lac Family YMCA and this program will be cherished for years to come,” says J.J. Raflik, Director of Program Development at the Y. Christy Kusko, gymnastics instructor, has been promoted to Gymnastics Coordinator, to oversee and run the Y’s youth progressive gymnastics lessons and classes, as well as the gymnastics team. Raflik says, “Christy has a long and great history of teaching both at our YMCA as well as the La Crosse YMCA. We are thrilled to have her input, leadership and vision.”
The Y’s Gymnastics and Program Center will continue to expand, with new program offerings, including a new option to host birthday parties there. The Center is offering new open gym times for children 7 years and older, having expanded the current open gym times offered to children through age 6. Structured, instructor-led open gym will be available, and open to Y members and the community, for a fee. Open gym is now offered on Monday and Wednesday evenings from 7:00 – 8:30 pm and on Saturdays from 9:00 – 11:00 am.
Birthday parties at the Gymnastics and Program Center will be on Sundays from October through May. Parties, with up to 10 guests, include exclusive use of all gymnastics equipment, along with a personal gymnast on-site to help with proper techniques and to ensure safety on all equipment. Birthday party arrangements can be made in person at the Fond du Lac Family YMCA Welcome Center Desk.
The Y has invested in new fitness equipment, which arrived this Spring and Fall. Purchase and installation of 26 new Life Fitness group cycling bicycles gave class attendees a welcome surprise. New equipment was purchased and installed in the Y’s Life Management Center, including an additional Hammer Strength power rack, a new Hammer Strength power lifting platform and bumper plates, a new adjustable decline bench, and two power pivots. In addition, there was repositioning of equipment by muscle groups and an expansion of the free weight area to accommodate additional equipment.
Additional recent improvements to the facility include an annual refinishing of all wood floors, including the studios, gyms and racquetball courts, resealing and painting of the pool deck, outdoor maintenance including power washing of sidewalks in entrance areas, the beautification of landscape areas with flowers and mulch, and HVAC improvements to the exhaust and return air systems in the locker room shower areas to improve air quality and comfort.