The new Parkview Warsaw YMCA offers plenty of amenities, such as group fitness classes and a variety of exercise equipment. Pictured is Larry Dixon, a YMCA member, doing battle ropes.

The new Parkview Warsaw YMCA in Warsaw has opened and is serving the community in many positive ways. The new Parkview Warsaw YMCA hopes to exceed expectations and promises to continue to make a positive impact in the community through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility.

The expansion from 40,000 square-feet to a new, 70,000 square-foot facility on a 37-acre campus offers increased program opportunities for families to learn, grow and thrive. It opened Dec. 1.

The new YMCA is 80 percent bigger, said YMCA CEO Chad Zaucha.

“The old facility was functional but not flexible,” he said. Zaucha said at the old facility, “We were landlocked and parking was insufficient.”

The YMCA offers 20 different strength and flexibility classes each week. It offers 100 group fitness classes, such as Zumba, hip-hop and salsa dancing. Many of the new-age classes that are gaining popularity nationally, like TRX and Pound, will also be available with 13 classes each week. There are four group fitness rooms; there was only one room at the old facility. “That has increased dramatically,” said Zaucha.

The YMCA is comprised of several fitness areas. A wellness center allows members to lift weights, walk or run on treadmills and do circuit training. The YMCA also has two gyms.

A multi-generational room is designed for children aged 5 to 12. The room features a rockwall and a place to do arts and crafts.

It also has two swimming pools. One is a therapy pool, while the other is a lap pool. Both of the pools have increased by 50 percent in size. Both of the pools are available for rent for events such as birthday parties or church functions. The new multi-purpose room provides a place to relax and eat during breaks from aquatic action.

Zaucha said, “We are also able to host swim team meets here.”

Membership has increased since the new YMCA opened. There are now 11,300 members, an increase of 2,000 new members, said Zaucha.

For those with young children, a child care facility is available for its members while they work out.

The facility also offers an indoor walking trail, as well as an outdoor walking trail. A mezzanine is located on the second floor, where the indoor walking trail is located, as well as other exercise rooms.

In addition, the Wildman Foundation has provided funds for a director of Christian emphasis. Only 51 YMCA facilities have such a position, said Zaucha. The director is Matt Goebel, who will provide pastoral care, uniting the Christian community.

For those who cannot afford a membership, financial assistance is available for those who qualify.

“We want to remove any barriers,” said Zaucha. “We do an annual campaign every year that helps us create those opportunities.”

The YMCA also offers an off-site, after-school program and summer day camps.

The new Parkview Warsaw YMCA is located at 1305 Mariners Drive. For more information, visit its website at www.kcymca.org or call (574) 269-9622.