The new Central Park Athletic Centre

By Christina Chibani

The YMCA has moved and expanded its athletic centre providing a larger facility for the community.

The new centre is at 3400 Grand Marais Rd. E., a central area in Windsor that is more accessible than the old downtown location. The YMCA focuses on flexible programs for all ages.

“The main attraction is families. We sell the family memberships the most,” said Andy Sullivan, general manager of the athletic centre.

To use the new facility and equipment such as the full-size pool, hockey arena and basketball court, as well as new studios, the cost is $58 biweekly for families.

“We offer family assistance for those who cannot afford to keep up with their membership,” said Sullivan. “We are a non-profit organization, we are self-subsidized.”

The YMCA has partnered with King Development in what Sullivan said is the only private partnership in North America of its kind.

“The central park athletic centre is a world-class facility and has been built in less than a year without taxes being spent from residents,” said Sullivan.

The athletic centre offers many after-school programs for new Canadians and child care programs for single parents.

Marium Khan is a University of Windsor student and part-time worker in the child minding room. The child minding room is bigger than it was at the older location, which gives children more room to play.

“This is where parents can drop off their children while working out,” said Khan.

The new athletic centre also offers brand new studios for cardio fitness, weights and workout.

Robert Misiag, 23, just purchased a membership with YMCA because there are so many programs in a single facility.

“I can work out in the weight room then play basketball in the same place, it is convenient for me,” said Misiag. “I feel part of the community every time I come here.”

The Central Park Athletic Centre is now open to the public and will have its grand opening on Nov. 12.