Area residents invited to get an insider’s view of the new facility, Founding member offer, and a free wellness screening
Press Release – EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ, December 28, 2016 — As the Meadowlands Area YMCA prepares to open an expansive community center — the first centralized location in its 96-year history — the YMCA is giving area residents an insiders’ view of what awaits members in early 2017.
The Meadowlands Area YMCA has opened the Y Experience Showroom at 368 Paterson Ave., where visitors can learn about the more than 400 programs that will be offered at the former Nets basketball center. The 83,200-square-foot facility includes a state-of-the-art wellness center, the Mara Family Day Care Center, a technology center, a Welcome Center, a cooking studio, Teen and Senior Centers, two NBA basketball courts among many other unique spaces.
At the showroom, visitors are greeted with fresh fruit and images of the experiences that await them when the $10 million facility opens. A slideshow features the new Y’s amenities, including a cooking studio where instructors will teach healthy cooking techniques, SportsCare Institute’s physical therapy space, and an indoor rock-climbing wall along with the many other features and programs slated for the new building. Adult guests can test their skills on a medicine ball and lift weights, while little ones can visit the Legos and campsite areas.
Healthy living is a pillar of the Y’s mission, and the Y is offering a free wellness evaluation to everyone who visits the showroom on Saturdays between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. That includes blood pressure screening, body mass index (BMI) measurement, strength tests, balance assessment and a brief health consultation.
“We are so excited to, at long last, bring people together under one roof and provide a vast array of opportunities to improve and maintain their health, and build a vibrant and diverse community,” said Ron Simoncini, chairman of the Meadowlands Area YMCA board of trustees.
The new Meadowlands Area YMCA, located behind Staples and BJ’s off Route 17, will welcome residents of Carlstadt, East Rutherford, Lyndhurst, Hasbrouck Heights, Rutherford, Secaucus, Wallington, Wood-Ridge, Moonachie, North Arlington and surrounding communities. It can serve the 127,000 household in our service area, and will add more than 100 jobs, both full- and part-time, to the local economy.
“Families and individuals will benefit from having a full-service YMCA available seven days a week,” said Meadowlands Area YMCA President and CEO Jane A. Egan. The Y currently runs programs out of 50 locations and will keep most of those off-sites even after the new building opens. “We are creating a true community center, where people of all ages and backgrounds come together to working alongside each other towards a common goal of health and wellness.” Egan said.
The Y is making membership incredibly affordable for founding members. Residents may join for $1 and lock in a monthly rate for two years, without making any monthly payment until the facility opens. Rates range from $20 a month for children under age 12 to $70 a month for an entire family. The full schedule is on the website www.meadowlandsymca.org/join. Founding members also get a $250 credit toward programs such as swimming lessons and sports instruction.
Through the Buy a Brick Campaign, families, individuals and organizations can make a lasting mark on the new Meadowlands YMCA by donating as little as $100 and more significant naming opportunities are still available. To learn more, go to www.meadowlandsymca.org/donate.
The Meadowlands YMCA is committed to supporting people of all ages and all circumstances, and offers financial assistance to those most in need.
