ASHLAND — The Ashland YMCA revealed its $4 million makeover Thursday with a ribbon cutting in front of dozens of enthusiastic residents.
An emotional Molly Riley, YMCA CEO, thanked the project’s leading donors, Bob and Jan Archer.
“Thank you,” she said, fighting back tears. “It could not be possible to do what we did without you, without all of you.”
There were several donors, and their names were inscribed on a plaque in the facility’s new, wider hallway. But the Archers led the way with a $2 million gift early in the project.
The YMCA first announced its intentions in February 2022 for indoor renovations, a revamped parking lot and a new gymnastics gymnasium.
By May, the facility that has been there since 1955 raised $4 million, surpassing its initial goal of $3.6 million. In November 2022, the YMCA had erected its 10,200 square-foot gymnastics gym.
The gymnastics gym is more than double the size of the old one. Its floor is covered in soft mats, balance beams, bars, and bleachers.
A facelift
The rest of the money went toward giving the nearly 70 year-old building a facelift inside, including a revamped lobby and conference room, new flooring, a new color scheme, renovated locker rooms, a new parking lot and a safer, wider hallway leading to the swimming pools.
Thursday’s ceremony took place in what used to be the old gymnastics gym. The large, echoey room now serves as a multipurpose gym, featuring new paint, new duct, new lighting and a new wooden floor.
Bob Archer, a 50-year YMCA member, said he remembers joining the Y in 1973 to play volleyball. He said he and his wife were happy to contribute to the project and they can’t wait to witness the facility’s continuing growth.
Ashland Mayor Matt Miller said he’s happy to see a new, modern YMCA in Ashland’s “back yard.” But more importantly, he said, he’s optimistic for the relationships to be built there.
“It’s those relationships that will be transformed,” he said.
The facility’s hours are 5:15 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Thursday. On Friday, 5:15 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Saturday from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. The Y is open from noon to 5 p.m. on Sundays from October to March.