YMCA Garage Transforms into Annex Work-Out Facility

by Jonathan Weaver
With one ceremonious cut, members of the Richard G. Snyder YMCA in Kittanning will now be open to expand their work outs.

Tuesday morning, YMCA officials recognized the $350,000 in financial pledges by area businessman Stan Berdell and David Kohl to renovate the 5,000 square foot garage for more programming. The space will be now known as the Berdell-Kohl Annex.

The YMCA Board President, Berdell saw many community advantages to expanding the space.

“My commitment is truly from the heart – I see what the Y(MCA) does for the area. It helps people physically, socially, mentally – that’s why I got involved, and I’m really happy I was able to,” Berdell said.

Kohl is also a Board Member.

“We felt compelled to help out a little bit, so this is sort-of our contribution,” Kohl said. “(Board of Directors) have a strategic plan to plan out the future, and this was one of the first things we wanted to do.”

Kohl is also a member of the YMCA and attends several days per week to lift weights and run the treadmill.

“We’re fortunate to be part of this – it feels good to be part of something this big and a nice community asset.”

Kohl’s daughter – Kittanning Senior High senior Kathryn – has been a lifeguard at the Richard G. Snyder YMCA for two years. Her sister, Grace, participates in the CrossFit classes.

Kathryn expects to be in the annex a lot more with the renovations.

YMCA CEO Joely Beeker said programming in the annex began at 5AM Monday, January 5 with Y Fit, but looks forward to much more.

“We didn’t have the place for anything like this at our main campus,” Beeker said. “We tried to start the CrossFit gym when we opened it up, but it was one big area – there was no heat, so we were limited as to what programs we could have out here – we couldn’t bring seniors or kids out here – and the guys and ladies that did the garage-style workout didn’t mind, but it got too cold to even hold on the bars.”

The garage – which now also includes bathrooms and storage space - was on the six-acre lot donated before the land was acquired.

Berdell’s two daughters (Emily and Lindsay) attended the grand opening with their parents. Berdell’s wife, Judi, also has been a member of the YMCA for many years and saw Tuesday as motivation to come more often to try aerobics and pickleball.

“Community and family are so important to my dad. He’s always instilled in me to remember where we came from and it’s important to give back when you can,” Emily (of Lower Burrell) said. “He’s a great example to my sister and I and our kids.”

J. Krukar Construction, of West Kittanning, led the nine-week construction project, with Armstrong Electric and Bradigans, Inc. also working on utilities in the annex. The construction began in October.

After the ribbon cutting, Fitness Director Hilary Brown showed guests – including Armstrong School District Superintendent Stan Chapp and Armstrong County Commissioner Chair David Battaglia - and YMCA members the equipment. She said the annex will be the home to yoga and spin classes, as well as a new pickleball court and expand day camp to new ages and activities.