By Gene Galin
Pittsboro, NC – The highly anticipated Chatham Park YMCA has officially opened its doors to the community with a soft opening that welcomed existing members from the downtown Pittsboro location. The new facility boasts state-of-the-art amenities, including a wellness floor, multiple pools, and diverse fitness classes, catering to the growing demands of local residents. With the grand opening happening on March 15, the YMCA aims to foster a sense of community and promote healthy lifestyles among its members.
A New Era for the YMCA in Chatham Park
The Chatham Park YMCA represents a significant leap forward for the organization, offering a modern facility designed to meet the needs of a diverse membership. Caitlyn Herrion, executive director of the Chatham County YMCA, expressed her enthusiasm during a walkthrough with me of the new space, highlighting its various features and the opportunities it presents for both current and prospective members.
Welcoming the Community
The soft opening event allowed members from the previous downtown YMCA to explore the new facility and familiarize themselves with its layout. “We’re so excited to open today for our first soft opening for our members,” Caitlyn said, emphasizing the importance of community engagement. The transition from the downtown location to the new facility marks a significant upgrade in both space and services.
Family-Friendly Features
One of the standout aspects of the new YMCA is its commitment to families. The facility includes a dedicated Kids Care area, providing members with two hours of onsite childcare daily. This initiative allows parents to engage in fitness activities while their children are cared for in a safe environment. Caitlyn noted, “Our Kids Care area is a great addition for parents looking to balance family and fitness.”
In addition to childcare, the facility features a playground and an “airnasium,” an outdoor gym that can accommodate various activities. This space is designed for outdoor classes, basketball, and even games like pickleball and four square, which have seen a surge in popularity in the county.
Indoor Amenities
Inside the facility, members will find a spacious basketball court, which can be divided to host multiple games simultaneously. Caitlyn explained, “We will have times for pick-up basketball and youth leagues starting in the winter.” The court will also be available for volleyball and family time, ensuring that the facility serves as a hub for community recreation.
The wellness floor houses a range of strength and cardio equipment, catering to members looking to achieve their fitness goals. Caitlyn shared, “We have about 25 classes every week, including cardio, strength, yoga, and dance classes.” This diverse offering ensures that there is something for everyone, regardless of their fitness level or preferences.
Group Fitness and Personal Training
The YMCA will also host various group fitness classes in its two large studios. Caitlyn mentioned that classes will be scheduled during pre-work hours, mid-morning, and evenings, making it convenient for members with different work schedules. “Our members get access to an app where they can view all class schedules,” she added, underscoring the facility’s commitment to accessibility.
For those seeking personalized guidance, the facility offers small group classes and personal training options in a dedicated functional fitness studio. This space is designed to accommodate specialized equipment and training sessions, ensuring that members receive tailored support in their fitness journeys.
Aquatic Facilities
The Chatham Park YMCA features two pools: a heated lap pool with eight lanes and a recreation pool equipped with a slide and water features. The lap pool will be available for competitive swimming, water aerobics, and swim lessons, catering to a wide range of aquatic activities. Caitlyn explained, “We plan to offer youth swim lessons starting this summer.”
The recreation pool is designed for fun and relaxation, featuring a zero-entry area for younger children. While the lap pool will remain heated year-round, the recreation pool will be a seasonal attraction during the summer months.
Community Engagement and Events
As the grand opening approaches, the YMCA is eager to engage with the community through events and activities. One of the highlights is the upcoming Leprechaun Dash, a 5K and 10K race scheduled for March 15. Caitlyn encouraged community members to participate, stating, “We are still open for runners as well as any volunteers who want to come help out.”
The YMCA’s website, YMCAtriangle.org, serves as a hub for information on joining the facility, signing up for events, and accessing class schedules.
A Bright Future for the YMCA
The Chatham Park YMCA is poised to become a cornerstone of the community, offering a wealth of resources and opportunities for fitness and wellness. With its modern amenities, family-friendly features, and commitment to inclusivity, the facility is set to enhance the lives of its members. The Chatham Park YMCA is here to support the community’s health and wellness needs.
Watch on YouTube – Caitlyn gives us a walkthrough of new YMCA facility at Chatham Park – 3.8.25
00:13 Caitlyn introduces the new YMCA facility’s soft opening at Chatham Park.
- Members from the downtown YMCA are now registered at the Chatham Park location.
- The facility features an open layout and a dedicated Kids Care area providing onsite childcare.
01:19 New YMCA facility features versatile outdoor and indoor sports areas.
- The airnasium offers an outdoor gym for classes and various sports like pickleball and four square.
- The indoor basketball court is designed for multiple games, accommodating both basketball and volleyball activities.
02:38 YMCA facility offers versatile sports and fitness opportunities.
- The gym includes two half-court spaces for basketball and ample open gym time for family and youth leagues.
- The wellness floor features strength and cardio equipment, along with studios for classes like Zumba and cycling.
03:48 YMCA offers diverse fitness classes with flexible scheduling.
- The facility features around 25 weekly classes, including cardio, strength training, yoga, Pilates, and dance.
- Members have access to a scheduling app to easily manage class timings, accommodating various work schedules.
04:59 New YMCA facility offers easy access and enhanced community programs.
- The facility welcomes new community members and features convenient access from Chatham Parkway.
- Amenities include specialized locker rooms, a functional fitness studio, and various class options.
06:19 Caitlyn highlights the new YMCA facility’s versatile pool offerings.
- The facility features an eight-lane heated lap pool, open year-round for swimming.
- In addition to recreational use, the Y will host competitive swim leagues and water aerobics classes.
07:28 YMCA will offer youth swim lessons and fun activities this summer.
- Youth swim lessons will be available for ages ranging from 4 to 9 years old.
- The facility features a recreation pool with a slide and water features, enhancing summer enjoyment.
08:34 Chatham Park YMCA grand opening and events set for March 15th.
- The grand opening will officially take place on March 15th, inviting everyone to visit the new facility.
- A leprechaun Dash 5K and 10K event will occur on the same day, with sign-ups available online.