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YMCA addition is a gift for the Valley, chief says
By Ashley Luthern
BOARDMAN
The president and chief executive of the YMCA of Youngstown proudly wore a Christmas necktie for the opening of a $6 million, 30,000-square-foot addition to the D.D. and Velma Davis Family YMCA in Boardman.
“I wanted to be a little bold today. Today is Christmas for the Valley,” said Kenneth Rudge. “I am proud to be Santa Claus today with the board, giving one of the best gifts you could receive.”
Rudge, who plans to retire next year after 20 years with the YMCA, cut the ribbon on the expansion Friday along with Tom Grantonic, executive director of the Davis YMCA; Beverly Davis, the daughter of D.D. and Velma Davis; the YMCA Board of Trustees; and YMCA staff members.
The addition is named the “Kenneth and Marilyn Rudge South Wing” for Rudge and his wife, who died two years ago of cancer. The wing includes an expanded strength-training center, group-fitness room, child-watch room with KidZone and Family Adventure Center.
The new art studio, complete with kiln, will offer lessons in guitar, conversational French, painting, drawing and many other artistic programs.
The interactive Youth Fitness Center is a main attraction with high-tech exercise equipment, such as Trazer, a virtual reality training game.
“Before, I had to tell 13-year-olds sneaking up to the fitness room to go back to the youth area,” Grantonic said. “But now I think I’ll have to tell the adults to leave the youth area.”
Bobbie Arseneault, a member of the Davis Branch, attended Friday’s ceremony.
“It’s good for the kids’ physical development and gives them self-confidence. A lot of children are overweight, and this is a fun way for them to lose weight and meet new friends,” said Arseneault, who lives in Youngstown.
“It’s a godsend for us. We come here four times a week,” said Anne-Marie Sherk of Youngstown, who was there with her two children.
The expansion project increases the Davis Branch to nearly 100,000 square feet, equal to that of the downtown Central Branch. The Boardman location is on track to have more than 500,000 visits this year.
Construction on the expansion began a year ago and was paid for by contributions and money set aside for capital projects at the YMCA. Since it is a nonprofit organization, any extra funds are sent back into an account to improve the YMCA, Rudge said.
“It’s a big day for me, but it’s a bigger day for the community,” he said. “The Y is an impact player in increasing the quality of life for people moving to the Valley.”