LAWTON - Immediately after becoming the CEO of Lawton Family YMCA last year, Frank Walker and the staff set out to cut expenses and boost membership. Their first project was to replace all the outdated thermostats with newer program-able ones. Walker then spoke with PSO about replacing the fluorescent lights with energy-efficient LEDs.
While those things might seem minimal, they do add up. Walker anticipates a 25% reduction on the 65,000-square-foot facility’s energy expenses once the lights are installed. Other plans include painting, refinishing some of the flooring and replacing ceiling tiles that were damaged during an ice storm earlier this year. It’s a lot of work, but the staff and volunteers focus on creating “a center for the community, not a community center,” as Clemons put it.
With two indoor pools, an indoor track, basketball, racquetball, weights and more, the complex offers everything members need to become more physically fit. Instructors coach Yoga, Zumba, Spin and Body Pump classes, and free childcare service is available while parents work out.
SWIM TEAMS
Starting in September, the swimming program will add Elgin’s first swim team to the roster. Currently, the YMCA hosts all three Lawton high schools, USA Bison, the YMCA intermural and the Hammerheads swim team. Lawton Family YMCA also offers swimming lessons year-round. Parents and Me water acclimation sessions for children six months and older, water safety and water aerobics classes are also available.
Sports activities are also available for younger children. Between karate, volleyball, flag football, basketball and swimming, there is always something for them to do that keeps them moving. Walker and Clemons say they and the rest of the staff enjoy seeing families come and support one another in the events.
“If you haven’t seen three- and four-year-olds play basketball … it’s entertaining to watch,” Walker chuckles. “Last year, we had a little girl on the floor, pretending to make a snow angel during the game. A player from the other team reached down and helped her up and held her hand as they went to the other end of the court; it was really cute.”
NEW CLASSES, PROGRAMS
Clemons and the staff looked to add new classes and programs to attract more members. One of those classes, offered through the Silver Sneaker program, allows seniors to stay active with the Pull Up A Chair class. The seated, resistance-based workout is designed to help with flexibility and balance issues that affect many seniors. Instructors also added a Rock Steady boxing class for Parkinson’s patients, and are looking to start a pedaling class to help slow the effects of the disease.
OUTREACH PROGRAMS
While it has gone through quite a few changes since opening in 1914, the organization continues to focus on overall public health through outreach programs. Through the Fit Kids Coalition’s Healthy Congregation Initiative, they have partnered with the OSU Extension Office, Community Health Center and physicians at the Health Department to help members of a local church to become healthier.
Under doctor supervision, the six-month program gives participants information on nutrition and free use of the facilities and monitors participants’ improvements. “We give them the tools they need for healthier living, but they’ve got to be committed,” added Walker. With all these updates to the facility, programs and classes, members will enjoy spending time at the “Y”.
MILITARY, CORPORATE MEMBERSHIPS
To keep the growing community active, the YMCA has special offers for military and corporate memberships available. With all the facility improvements and programs added to the schedule, Walker, Clemons and the rest of the Lawton Family YMCA staff invites you to visit.
For more details, call (580) 355-9622 or visit www.lawtonfamilyymca.org.