YCMA plans expansion of facilities

HERMITAGE, Pa. -- The Shenango Valley YMCA is getting a comprehensive fitness center, thanks in part to Sharon Regional Health System.
The hospital announced plans to transfer its Personal Fitness Center memberships to the YMCA at 925 N. Hermitage Road and donate all of the center's exercise and fitness equipment to the YMCA as well.
In return, the YMCA will build an addition at the southern end of its building to house what it calls a "comprehensive" Personal Fitness Center that will include an aerobics studio.
Construction is to begin this fall and be completed in early 2005 and individuals and families who are members of Sharon Regional's Personal Fitness Center will automatically become members of the YMCA at that time, gaining full access to all YMCA programs.
Next plans
The YMCA's long-range plans include a comprehensive family fitness and wellness center, that will feature a swimming pool. The arrangement with Sharon Regional is considered an interim step toward that project and gives the YMCA a larger membership base, which will provide the financial stability needed to expand facilities and programs.
As part of this project, the YMCA also will upgrade its locker rooms, build a new lounge for members, complete an outdoor walking trail and provide additional staff trained in exercise physiology, fitness, aerobics and wellness.
Hours of operation also will be expanded, and a new, lighted entrance road off North Hermitage Road will be built.