Wolf Creek YMCA – So much more than a gym and swim!
A discussion with Linda Napier with the Wolf Creek YMCA will open your eyes to the many opportunities you may not be aware of with this feature-loaded Arrowhead Park Association member. “Adults are surprised by how many fitness options we offer, and families are pleasantly surprised by the variety of programs we have to offer, from swimming to piano, art, dance, Tae Kwon Do and of course, sports, just to name a few. Plus, they are pleased to find out that they can use any of the 10 YMCA locations with their membership, essentially getting locations convenient to home and work,” shared Linda Napier. The YMCA’s income based membership model and other fee assistance makes the Y available to all. Take a video tour here.
Who Uses Y Facilities?
Members enjoying the YMCA’s benefits can roughly be divided into three groups.
- Adults make good use of the fitness center and classes, getting a workout in before or after work (cardio machines, weights, spinning), or enjoy a TRX or Yoga class on the weekend. After-work classes like cardio drumming, Zumba, spinning are member favorites.
- Families are a good portion of Y members. Many families begin with swim lessons for their youth, allowing the parent to fit in some treadmill or weight lifting time during the child’s class. Afterschool and Saturdays are big for swim lessons. Seasonal sports are very popular, including baseball, basketball, soccer, flag football, T-ball, and cross-country. Fun Summer Camp options, one day a week or Monday thru Thursday mornings, include themes such as Harry Potter, art, and ‘build-it.” (Plan early. Classes fill up!)
- Senior Citizens make use of the workout options, several designed just for them, and enjoy the camaraderie. Like Silver Sneakers, many health insurance programs include free membership to the Y. Water exercise classes are popular for people with medical issues and seniors.
Childcare Program “I am proudest of our childcare program,” said Ms. Napier. Toledo area YMCA childcare witnessed kindergarten readiness scores move from 44% to 86% with the children in their program. Childcare at Wolf Creek is held in a nearby building, and the children enjoy some activities at the Y. YMCA members receive a discount on child care.
Ms. Napier continued, “We believe in educational equity: every young person should have access to programs and services, regardless of their ability to pay. We offer fee assistance for our preschool and school-age programs or memberships.”
Membership Types
The Y is a popular place! Membership has boomed since the beginning of June. They usually expect a spring increase with snowbirds returning and children out of school, but this Summer is more extensive.
All group exercise classes are included in a membership, as is babysitting during adult classes or workouts. Lessons cost a small additional fee. The YMCA offers memberships in all sizes.
- Youth (ages 10-17)
- Individual
- Two-person
- Family
- Seniors
- Grandparent membership includes all grandchildren, even those who don’t live with members. (Swim lessons and sports are most popular with this group.)
- Healthy Living – the Y offers a free membership for people participating in their evidence based health care programs, which include Diabetes Prevention and Management, Blood Pressure Monitoring, Smoking Cessation, Livestrong for cancer survivors and Healthy Weight and your Child.
Can You Get An Employer Discount?
Corporate memberships allow the company to offer YMCA membership as payroll deduction, with or without contributing a portion of the membership fee, or as a discounted benefit. Many corporations provide a percentage (like 10%) of membership; then, the YMCA matches up to 10%. With the program, many employees are getting a combined 20%-25% discount on fees. Don’t hesitate! Ask your employer if they offer a YMCA membership discount.
June Special:
This month offers a popular benefit: Imagination Station/YMCA memberships are reciprocal for the month of June. Also, a member that refers a new member to the Y, gets 2 months of membership free!
Success!
“What I enjoy most about my job is seeing people succeed! From meeting their goals to seeing their friends, the Y is a second family for many of our members,” commented Ms. Napier. All YMCA programs and partnerships are based on three pillars: Youth Development, Healthy Living, and Social Responsibility. “We want you to succeed,” continued Ms. Napier, “That is why we now offer our Smart Start Program. One of our staff will personally tour the facility with you and find out what you (and any children) like to do, what goals you have, and what you want to accomplish. We will get you signed up, lead you to the class and provide the information you need. We get personally connected with them and may even go to class with new members.” It sounds like the YMCA is the place to go for results!
