Downtown YMCA to continue its mission of serving the Midlands at new location opening July 11
June 14, 2016
On July 11, the new Downtown YMCA will open at the corner of Bull and Hampton Streets in downtown Columbia. The state-of-the-art facility will have the space, equipment and expertise to better deliver programs, allowing the Y to be at the forefront of healthy living and chronic disease prevention in the Midlands.
The new facility will feature a functional training space to be used for free, high-intensity group exercise classes, small group training programs and open use for members during free times. The group exercise room will continue to offer popular classes such as BODYPUMP™, step and Zumba®. The yoga studio will be used for low impact group exercise classes such as yoga, Pilates and SilverSneakers. The wellness floor will house all new advanced cardio equipment with a touchscreen console, innovative selectorized strength equipment and free weight equipment. The wellness floor will also feature interactive spin bikes with over 1,500 on-demand classes and over 10 live cycle classes per day.
With the new facility brings additional amenities to its members including towel service, parking spaces, identical men’s and women’s locker rooms with steam and sauna, access to all YMCA of Columbia locations, and access to YMCAs across the state that are part of the My Y is Every Y in SC partnership.
The new facility will be ADA-compliant, allowing the Y to serve even more seniors in the community that may not have been able to use the Sumter Street location due to physical disabilities.
The new facility will continue to offer programs like the free LIVESTRONG at the YMCA program for cancer survivors, SilverSneakers programs for seniors, and the YMCA’s Diabetes Prevention Program. The Y will also continue to give thousands of youth in the downtown area each year the tools they need to reach their full potential through community-based programs like sports leagues, afterschool, summer feeding and day camp.
“While we will always be fond of the memories thousands have shared at 1420 Sumter Street, it was originally built for men’s housing and we must continue to evolve to meet the needs of our community today,” says Bruce Williams, Chief Executive Officer of the YMCA of Columbia. “We are certainly thrilled to move into this state-of-the-art facility at the corner of Bull and Hampton Streets. However, the Y is so much more than a gym. It’s a 501(c)3 organization dedicated to youth development, healthy living and social responsibility.”
The YMCA of Columbia is more committed than ever to continuing a 161-year tradition of living out the Y mission: to put Christian principles into practice through programs that build a healthy spirit, mind and body. The Y doesn’t just strengthen bodies, it strengthens communities. The impact the Y has on the community includes closing the achievement gap through afterschool academic enrichment and summer learning loss programs; promoting healthy living to combat chronic diseases and obesity; and building lifelong values and confidence in kids today to develop contributing and engaged adults tomorrow.
The Downtown YMCA was one of the first 50 Ys in the United States and has been a support system for thousands of Columbia residents.
Into the 21st century, the YMCA of Columbia continues to adapt to make a major impact on the many challenges facing our community, our state and the nation. From the tens of thousands of children who have been impacted by quality childcare, camps and sports programs, to the countless adults whose lives have been strengthened through healthier lifestyles, the Downtown YMCA’s contribution to the Columbia community continues.
About the YMCA of Columbia
Over the past century and a half, the YMCA of Columbia has been a community-transforming institution, not only in the Midlands, but also in the entire United States. The Y is one of the nation’s leading nonprofits strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. Regardless of age, income or background – the Y works to nurture the potential of children and teens, improve the nation’s health and well being, and provide opportunities to give back and support neighbors. The Y has the long-standing relationships and physical presence not just to promise, but to deliver, lasting personal and social change. Please visit www.columbiaymca.org for more information.
