Workers spent Monday putting the finishing touches on the Southern Boone YMCA, scheduled to open in a week.
Located at the corner of Broadway and Main Street in Ashland, the facility is the newest branch of the Jefferson City YMCA system. With 6,800 square feet of space, the fitness center features a full complement of state-of-the-art Techno Gym cardio and weight equipment and has room for group workouts, locker rooms and child care.
Made possible by thousands of donations from area residents, the new facility will open April 13, followed by a grand opening ceremony April 16.
People who would like to visit may do so this week at open houses scheduled from 3:30-7 p.m. today, Wednesday and Thursday.
Already 125 membership "units" - each is composed of individuals, couples or families - have been sold. Joe Lopez, the Jefferson City YMCA's chief operating officer, said the YMCA's goal is to sell 300 units within the next month and 500 by the end of the year.
Lopez said the facility already has generated significant community interest. He noted people who stopped by to gaze in the windows were invited in to see the facility for themselves.
"We've sold every single one a membership," he said.
And he added other YMCA programs - such as the Silver Sneakers for senior citizens and soccer for youth - have proven popular in the area.
Rates for joining the Southern Boone YMCA are $20 a month for a youth and $40 for a family or couple. Joint memberships to both the Southern Boone and Jefferson City YMCA facilities cost $31 for a youth and $58 for a family or couple.
The new facility was made possible by the contributions of hundreds of area residents. Already about $85,000 in donations has been collected. A total of $578,000 has been pledged by residents over the next five years.
Dave Westhoff, member of the advisory group that helped fund-raise, said the goal right now is to open the brand new facility and generate an adequate number of memberships to sustain it. When those goals are met, supporters will start working on a capital campaign to build a permanent facility. YMCA leaders have signed a five-year lease with building owner Gerald McKinney.
"The dream is an indoor and outdoor pool, basketball courts, racquetball and tennis courts and an indoor track," Westhoff said.
Located at 101 W. Broadway, the new YMCA will also be home to Mizzou Therapy Services. Brett Hayes, therapy manager, said the clinic has about six area clients who currently travel to Columbia for services, but who now can stay in Ashland. He also expects more clients to join them.