Membership Increase Vital to YMCA
During Wednesday’s ‘Member Appreciation Day,’Senior Coordinator Aylish Lynch, Operations Director Bethany Riggle, Membership Director Carrie Burtt and Fitness Director Hillary Brown show how members could have entered into a drawing for a YMCA sweatshirt. The winner will be selected today.
by Jonathan Weaver
Richard G. Snyder YMCA members had a chance to win prizes each hour Wednesday during ‘Member Appreciation Day,’ but local residents will also want to take advantage of activities at the North Water Street campus next week.
CEO Joely Beeker revealed the plan board members have been planning for months.
“Next week – Monday, October 5 through Sunday, October 11 – we’re having a free week here at the YMCA,” Beeker said. “That’s to re-introduce everyone to the Y, like when we first opened, and to showcase our (Berdell-Kohl) annex – we transitioned the entire weight room from the branch in West Kittanning down to here, so now (the annex) has a yFit gym and a weight room with cardio equipment in it.
“(Also), if you decide to join the Y during that time, we’re going to waive the join fees.”
Depending on the membership category, one-time membership join fees can cost $50, $100 or $150.
Effective today, YMCA officials are also offering two new categories for prospective members: a ‘couple’ rate (defined as two adults living in the same household) or an ‘annex only’ rate (for those who only want access to the
Berdell-Kohl Annex).
The annex reopened September 6.
Beeker said more specials are coming later this Fall and into the New Year.
“Our goal here is to increase membership – we need to bring our membership number up in order to sustain this facility,” Beeker said. “I think people have the false perception that the Y is doing very well, and it’s quite the contrary. We had a $170,000 deficit last year and we need to increase membership numbers this year to offset that.
“Our goal is to increase by 200 units.”
Membership Director Carrie Burtt said the majority of members at the YMCA signed up for a family membership.
“There’s a lot of stuff for families to do,” Burtt said.
Burtt’s four children – Mattithia, Malachi, Arabella and Ariana – all compete on the Stingrays swim team, but other family activities offered at the Y this Fall include other sports, dance classes and family yoga – as well as the other preschool through senior citizen activities regularly offered.
“When you buy your Y membership, you’re making a commitment to your community because we do so many things,” Beeker said.
Officials did not raise membership rates when it move to its new campus, but did when they purchased the former-Mac’s Health Club in West Kittanning last October.
YMCA leaders also continually seek grant funding opportunities to sustain programming, but Beeker said programs and staff cuts could be on the horizon next year depending on membership units.
Local News | jweaver October 1, 2015
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By Modest_Citizen, October 1, 2015 @ 7:03 AM
Most residents of Armstrong County cannot afford the annual $804 membership fee (plus another $150 to join). Surrounding areas do not charge as much as Armstrong County.
By Snarf, October 1, 2015 @ 8:52 AM
Before I left the area I was interested in joining the Y, that is, until I saw how much it cost. Nothing is free, but in this area, those membership fees are a little steep.
By RoadRocket, October 1, 2015 @ 10:20 AM
Having a gym membership is an investment in your health. You get out of it what effort you put in. This Y has great equipment and is super clean. I think its a bargain, but I also get my moneys worth. Im sure its a complete rip off for the member that goes twice a month or for the lady that does her entire workout while talking on her phone. ERIK SKOMO
By Modest_Citizen, October 1, 2015 @ 11:09 AM
Note: $804 is for family membership. I neglected to note which membership in my previous post.
By worthingtonman, October 1, 2015 @ 12:21 PM
Snarf
The Free memberships are what cause the high membership costs at the YMCA. Look what the Y did to Mac’s health club which had much lower fees. Bought them out, raised the fees then shut them down.
By ktown_kid, October 1, 2015 @ 1:20 PM
Why dont you eliminate the free memberships to the addicts and other people. Just keep slamming the working class to pay for their lives
By suzkin33, October 1, 2015 @ 2:28 PM
Every time I rave about how much I love the YMCA facilities we have in Kittanning, someone has to tell me how unaffordable it is. I joined last February when the $150 sign up fee was waived. I pay $66 per month, which might seem a bit high until you think about how much it costs just to take the family out to a movie or bowling. We were always trying to find family-friendly activities to do in our area, which in itself is hard enough before trying to not break the bank. That $66 breaks down to $16.50 a week, which gives us access to the gym and pool, plus allows my kiddo to enjoy kids club. That’s a small price to pay for family fun locally, plus you can’t put a price on the fun we’ve had since we joined.
By gmh, October 1, 2015 @ 2:35 PM
You want members but you charge a join fee? (with the exception of next week) hmm…
Like biting the hand that wants to feed you.
By Patzu, October 2, 2015 @ 6:31 AM
Talk to Kittanning Council about fixing the roads surrounding the Y.
You can get a free roller coaster ride traveling on North Water by the Y.
By lowfatlowcarbnosugarcheesecake, October 2, 2015 @ 11:49 AM
It should take a note from ASD and just close…
How can anyone expect anything to thrive in Kittanning? Seriously…
By Elderton Parent, October 6, 2015 @ 10:57 AM
RoadRocket should probably worry about things other than the membership to the Y and the lady on her phone. Like maybe Business Management 101 or Taxes 101. Just sayin’