~ story and photos by Chrissy Alspaugh
It’ s a Thursday evening, and the Brown County YMCA front lobby is ready for the rush.
Puppies and their owners whirl in like a noisy tornado, headed to obedience class. Swimmers skip toward the pool for their weekly lesson, while seniors catch up with friends on the way to aqua aerobics. A group of teens headed upstairs to pound punching bags in the fitness center ambles slower through the entrance, chatting while checking their phones.
“ Most folks would never believe all the things that happen here at our Y,” said receptionist June Floyd, with a cheery smile.“ It’ s a wonderful place that connects our whole community.”
YMCA, originally named the Young Men’ s Christian Association, is a worldwide youth organization that was founded in London in 1844. YMCA of the USA has a presence in more than 10,000 locations across the country. The nonprofit’ s goal is to strengthen communities through youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility.
“ We always hear that we’ re one of the smallest towns in the U. S. to have a full-service Y,” said Kim Robinson, CEO at the Brown County YMCA, at 105 Willow St.“ It’ s pretty amazing that we’ re able to grow and thrive.”
Opened in 2001, the Brown County YMCA is the community hub for many of the services residents need, as well as the physical activities and social connections that help them flourish, Robinson said.
YMCA members aiming to improve their fitness can exercise independently or with a personal trainer in the spacious second-floor fitness center. Open gym times welcome basketball and soccer leagues. Individuals also
can sign up for classes in core conditioning, swimming, yoga, fencing, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and more.
Seniors working to improve their health make frequent use of the Y’ s salt-water pool, pickleball courts, Silver Sneakers fitness classes, and Life Line health screenings.
Located across the street from a seniors apartment complex, the Y welcomes retirees at a rate of roughly
26 Our Brown County May / June 2023