New Midway YMCA to open in new year

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Article and photos by MARGIE O’LOUGHLIN

YMCA 01Construction is nearing completion on the new St. Paul Midway YMCA. The state-of-the-art facility, 1761 University Ave. W., is scheduled to open the first week of January, with the exception of the pool area that be completed later in the month. A grand opening celebration is being planned for early February.

The new building is the design of Lawal Scott Erickson Architects, a Twin Cities-based firm with significant experience designing community and wellness centers. They’ve replaced the existing 63-year-old building with a sparkling new version of the Midway YMCA.

YMCA 03PHOTO LEFT: Greg Diedrich can look forward to a larger area for strength training in the new building, with brand new equipment all around.

Members will be able to access the YMCA from two points of entry: the ample parking lot behind the facility, and the front doors on University Ave.

The new Aquatics Center will have a 25-meter pool with lanes for lap swimming, as well as a water slide, therapeutic vortex pool and a “lazy river” where swimmers can walk against the current to improve leg strength and body balance. There’ll be a sauna and whirlpool for relaxing on the pool deck, with natural light and outdoor views.

The Kids Stuff childcare area will be three times the size of the old space, with access to a fenced outdoor playground.

The community gathering space boasts lots of windows and will be available for gatherings of all sizes. The adjacent Healthy Living Demonstration Kitchen will be dedicated to healthy cooking (and eating) from countries around the world. Cooking classes will be held to demonstrate ways to prevent obesity and diabetes, among other things.

YMCA 02PHOTO LEFT: Angie Walker worked out in the cardio area of the temporary space at 1000 University Ave., which will remain open until the day before the new building opens.

Of the two new fitness studios, the larger one will have an operational garage-style door that can open to let fresh air in or the whole class out for exercise—weather permitting.

Another versatile space is something called the Flex Gym, a gymnasium that can be made smaller or larger by re-configuring movable, sound-proof walls. Executive Director David Dominick said, “We’ll be able to host a full basketball game, have seniors play pickleball and conduct a board meeting all at the same time.” A walking path will surround the Flex Gym, providing safe footing for serious walkers all year-long.

A roof-top patio will be usable in the warm months for yoga and fitness classes in the mornings and early evenings. In the afternoons, that space will be available for socializing.

”I grew up at the Midway YMCA,” said Cathy Quinlivan, Director of Healthy Living, “became a lifeguard and a swim instructor, and I’ve been here ever since. I ‘get’ how concerned people are about this new facility, I ‘get’ how much it matters to them. We have a strong core of members, many of whom have been here for decades. With the many improvements we’ve built into our new facility, we’ll be able to create even more programs relevant to our changing community—for all ages, ethnicities, and abilities.”

Senior Director of Communications Joan Schimmel added, “The YMCA is known as ‘America’s Swim Teacher.’ We take that role seriously and after being without a pool for this last year of construction, we can’t wait to get back to it. We’re here to help everyone’s fitness improve, and we’re thrilled to have such a great new space to do that work in.”

Construction of the YMCA has been carefully monitored, and not just by contractors and inspectors with a professional interest. Several members of the Active Older Adults program have regularly met for lunch at Wendy’s restaurant across the street, keeping an eye on its progress month by month.

It’s that kind of dedication that makes the Midway YMCA special. Watch the website for details of when the doors will open—a day which both new and returning members can look forward to.

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