By Rick Woelful

For YMCA patrons on Montgomery County’s eastern rim, a new era is at hand. Two longstanding YMCA buildings will soon be closing and a new, state-of-the art facility will replace them. 

The new Willow Grove YMCA will be located on Davisville Road in Upper Moreland Township. It will replace the Hatboro and Abington branches. YMCA officials are hoping to open the new branch on or around November 1. 

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“Our new Y represents a $42,000,000 investment in this community,” he said, “creating an inclusive, centrally-located hub for area families and residents. It’s construction alone has created hundreds of jobs. When we open our doors, we expect to employ more than 200 team members in full and part-time jobs year-round, with an additional 100 camp jobs every summer.”  Gary Chamberlain, who is currently the executive director of the Hatboro YMCA, will serve in that same role at the new facility. He says the new building has already given a boost to the area’s economy. 

The building will offer a host of modern amenities, including: 

• An aquatics center featuring three different swimming pools, a 25-yard pool for swimming laps, a family pool, and a pool specially designed for warm water programs.
• Indoor and outdoor walking and running tracks.
• Four different workout studios, designed for yoga, cycling and other activities.
• A state-of-the-art gymnastics training center which will be the new home of the Montgomery County Special Olympic gymnastics programs.
• A fitness center that in addition to traditional workout equipment will feature turf workout space. 

Chamberlain foresees the new building being a valuable community resource. 

“Our Y will serve as a community hub,” he said, “with access for public meetings. Our outdoor walk/run track is ready for anyone in the area to enjoy. Our Y will serve as the new home for Montgomery County’s Special Olympics gymnastics program. And we’re exploring other plans to benefit this area where Montgomery & Bucks Counties meet.” 

Chamberlain says the YMCA is committed to the health and welfare of the entire community. To that end, financial assistance will be available to qualified individual who can’t afford regular membership rates. 

“We believe that health, activity and community should be available to everyone,” he said, “and our financial assistance program helps make that possible.” 

For more information go to https://www.ymca.net/

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