Family Y set to open Columbia County branch
The Family Y will expand into Columbia County when they hold a grand opening for their newest branch at the Eagle Point Center at 4534 Washington Road on Jan. 11.
The new branch will be called the J.H. and Katherine Marshall Family Y after the Columbia County family that donated eight acres of land off North Belair Road for future Family Y projects.
Marshall Family Y branch director Avery Villines sees the 3,300-square-foot facility as the first step toward a productive relationship with Columbia County.
"A Family Y phase one facility is usually just an office, so I suppose you could call the new Columbia County branch a phase one-and-a-half facility," Villines said. "We'll be able to initiate sports programs, conduct sign-ups and more while offering a top-rate fitness facility.
"But this is still just the beginning. We make plans 10 to 20 years in advance and start making little steps toward achieving those goals. Eventually, we'll have a full-size facility in Columbia County with indoor pools, a gym and more."
The grand opening event will be from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Jan. 11, and will have a 10 a.m. ribbon cutting, demonstrations, performance teams, gymnastics programs, children's activities, rides, games, prize drawings, facility tours and membership sign-up opportunities.
Monthlong trial memberships will be available for $40 at the Marshall branch only. Also at the Marshall branch, patrons can sign up for $156 six-month memberships or $312 year-long memberships without paying a joiner's fee. Outside of these special rates, standard membership rates will apply and vary based on age, number of individuals joining, and type of membership.
Workout features available at the Columbia County branch include 11 pieces of cardio equipment, including four treadmills, three elliptical machines, three recumbent cycles and one stair climber; four free weight benches; and a fully-equipped cable crossover station.
The facility also features fully-equipped shower rooms, an aerobics room and a children's station that will include a play area and reading room.
The new Family Y will also be hosting several community-oriented programs like summer camps, team sports registration, lessons and much more.
"The Family Y has always been very community conscious and trying to meet the community's needs," Villines said. "Reactions from the community to his new branch thus far have been extremely positive. People like (Columbia County Administrator) Steve Szablewski and (Columbia County Community Services Director) Frank Neal have been very supportive. They see this as another candle in their cake."