A grand opening ceremony for a new fitness center for kids at the Glendale YMCA was held Monday, March 3.
The ribbon-cutting was presided by
Judy Kendall, executive vice president of the Glendale Chamber of Commerce.
In attendance was a representative from Supervisor
Mike Antonovich's office, Mayor
Ara Najarian, major donors and representatives from community agencies.
The YMCA is located at 140 N. Louise St., at the corner of Louise and Wilson in Glendale.
Youth health and fitness became a priority in Glendale a couple of years ago when representatives from Glendale Healthy Kids, Glendale Parks and Recreation Department, Glendale School District, YMCA and Salvation Army met to discuss their concern for youth.
At that time, the YMCA in Glendale decided to realign its fitness focus to include youth and the prevention of obesity.
With obesity reaching epidemic proportions throughout the country, the YMCA is working on the prevention side of the problem. YMCA staff have received specific training and facilities have been renovated.
The new Youth Health and Fitness Center is housed in two converted racquetball courts. Included are a wood activity floor room and a room with special exercise equipment, along with two high interest video games called Dance Dance Revolution™ and Nintendo Wii™.
Most important is the attention the youth will be receiving to help them with their personal health and wellness.
There will be focus given on three components - activities, educational time and parent involvement.
Youth will find the inclusive atmosphere a fun place where they will receive assistance with goal setting, weekly exercise and celebration of monthly goal achievements.
The center is administered by
Helena Danni, youth director at the YMCA.
For further information, contact
John Thomas, CEO of theYMCA of Glendale, at (818) 240-4130, ext. 16, or e-mail jthomas@glenymca.org.