Celebrating the CV Y’s ribbon cutting are (from left) Harriet Hammons from the Montrose-Verdugo City Chamber of Commerce, Kaipo Chock from the Crescenta Valley Chamber of Commerce, Rita Hadjimanoukian from Supervisor Michael Antonovich’s office, Mary Hovagimian, Vickere Murphy from Sen. Carol Liu’s office, Y CEO and President Tyler Wright and Chris Aristo from the Crescenta Valley Chamber of Commerce.
By Robin GOLDSWORTHY
After months of anticipation, the Crescenta Valley YMCA officially opened its doors on Saturday welcoming hundreds eager to discover all that the newest facility has to offer.
The location at 3931 Lowell Ave. is the former site of the Foothill Athletic Club. Though the 15,000 square foot facility is the smallest of the three local YMCAs, it is packed with the newest machines, classes and activities to help keep Crescenta Valley residents healthy. According to the Y website, the reason for the new Y was to help neighbors wanting to reach their full fitness potential.
“To ensure everyone has access to the Y, we have decided to expand our facilities. With the opening of this third facility, we will be able to continue to impact our community well into the future,” states the website.
Tyler Wright, president and CEO, and Damon Colaluca, executive vice president of the YMCA of the Foothills, were on hand to greet guests at the grand opening on Saturday.
“It’s exciting to offer another choice in facilities,” said Colaluca. “This space really lends itself to families.”
Membership at the Y includes access to all three locations – Crescenta-Cañada, Verdugo Hills and Crescenta Valley YMCAs.
Colaluca said that about $500,000 was spent on updating the building and bringing in new equipment. Among the enhancements is a new circuit training room overseen by Jodie Kendall.
The training combines small groups with high-energy stations. Each station has a specific exercise that is performed from 30 seconds to one minute. At the end of that time, participants advance to the next station.
“It really is the sweet spot of working out,” Kendall said. “It accommodates all fitness levels.”
Kendall’s family owned the former Foothill Athletic Club and she seemed pleased at the changes at the facility. These included the introduction of updated exercise machines.
The Kinesis core stations offer “all-in-one technology.”
“They are forward-thinking equipment,” Colaluca said of the stations that provide a variety of exercises that will improve the core health of users.
For younger members, an “aerial room” is in the process of being finished that will include scarves that will allow acrobatic exercises. Currently the room holds a climbing wall to challenge youngsters.
With temperatures topping 100 degrees, though, the outdoor pool was where many members could be found.
Colaluca explained that the pool was completely renovated and is now outfitted with eight filters, a commercial size heater and updated pumps. It will also be open year round.
“We want to be the swim lesson hub,” he said.
The community’s positive response to the new Y affirms the administration’s desire to help people attain optimum health.
“I believe the Y’s true purpose is to save lives,” said Wright, “and the opening of the Crescenta Valley YMCA creates opportunities for us to fulfill our purpose.”
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