The New YMCA Facility in Rock Hill

Melinda Gwiozdowski and Ben Jakubowski from the YMCA of Sullivan County were the guest speakers at our February 2nd meeting. The brand new beautiful YMCA facility in Rock Hill opened on October 1, 2015. It is situated on 155 acres with hiking trails and a small lakefront. Melinda and Ben paid our club a visit to talk about the new and exciting programs that are available. There are plans to add more hiking trails, a low ropes course, an archery range, an outdoor fitness circuit, and an outdoor survival summer camp.

 

They passed out information about the programs provided by the YMCA and the costs. One program is the Saturday Series of Fun that is held the first through the fourth Saturday of each month. There are different themes – Art, Hiking, Science, and snowshoeing (if we ever get snow on the ground). Melinda spoke about the parntership the YMCA has with “Upstate Cycle and Fitness” that allows discounts for Y members. The YMCA has fitness classes, Zumba classes, and Youth programs with a focus on “Outdoor Education”.

 

Ben Jakubowski is the outdoor educational specialist who will help people explore the 155 acre property. He said that he wants to put in tent platforms and/or tent locations that will allow people to come to camp and sleep outdoors during the summer months. Ben said that he's seen at least 4 bald eagles on the property near the lake (so there must be fish) and he wants to expand the dock to allow for fishing at the lake. He also spoke about his desire to have outdoor survival classes where people can come to learn how to build shelters, start a fire without matches, find water, etc.

 

Melinda said that one of the biggest projects they have to work on is the clearing of some of the hiking trails on the property. The presentation eventually turned into a detailed discussion with Rotary members and Interact students to find ways to assist the YMCA and work together on several upcoming projects that include help with the hiking trails.

 

Plans for having some activities at the YMCA during the Exchange Student Weekend were discussed and some of the details need to be finalized.