'Brand-new, modern YMCA' re-opens to the public in Ashland - here's what they did to it

"Next level" may be the best label for the totally reimagined and redone Ashland YMCA, which held its grand re-opening and ribbon cutting Thursday with a crowd of enthusiastic guests.

Next level is how Brenda Shymske described the revamped building to which she contributed interior design concepts.

The same sentiment was expressed by Mayor Matt Miller, who said in his opening remarks, "We now have a brand-new modern YMCA in our backyard."

The $4.1 million, three-phase project "has truly taken it to the next level," Miller said.

"We're going to make this Y the best it can be," said major donor Bob Archer before taking part in the ribbon-cutting ceremony.

A focal point of a tour of the building was the front hallway, altered from a narrow passageway to a wide-open and inviting entrance.

"People will be encouraged walking through the door," said Ashland City Council member Angela Woodward, praising the leadership of the YMCA's executive director Molly Riley.

Riley said the former hallway was "slender." Enlarging it was a safety measure for "getting people in and out."

"(One) little doorway was the whole entire hallway," said Shala Parrish, the membership marketing director.

Lobby was gutted, old gym repurposed

"We demolished the entire lobby … gutted it," Riley said, remaking it necessitated cutting into the former gym. "That's why we have a new 10,000 square-foot gymnastics gym," while the former gym now serves as a multi-purpose room.

Other improvements include remodeled restrooms, an added conference room, updated ballet room and a cycling room, Riley said.

Also added were private changing rooms, and updated were four locker rooms.

Age of building contributed to cost increases

The age of the building made adding to it and remodeling it a definite challenge, said Janotta & Herner's project manager Kyle Stang.

"A lot of what we found was original," Stang said, resulting in "dealing with a lot of what's been there" since 1956.

The $4.1 million project was originally estimated at $3.6 million and increased in price because "so much was needing to be done," said Greg Gorrell, who worked on the capital campaign. To get the building where it needed to be, other outdated parts had to be replaced.

"You're not going to find anything that hasn't been touched," Gorrell said.

Generous donors

Fundraising was jumpstarted with a challenge gift from Bob Archer and his wife, Jan. A donor wall honors the corporations, foundations and individuals who helped the YMCA reach its goal.

"We have some very good donors in Ashland," Riley said.

Archer cited his long affiliation with the YMCA.

In desiring to give back to the community where they have lived so long, Jan Archer said, "We've been blessed."

Capital campaign co-chairperson Aaron Rowsey thanked "everybody who helped build this building."

Riley, too, thanked donors and staff members who faithfully worked around construction. The building never closed.

The capital campaign began in November 2021. A groundbreaking for the gymnasium was held in May 2022.

Renovation highlights

One of the highlights of the renovated building is the gymnastics gym.

Gymnastics director Keirsten Proulx called it "absolutely amazing." The accommodations in the other gym were getting "so scrunched and tight," she said, noting the gymnastics team is growing.

The new gym allows the team to be a host for meets, which also generate funds and help purchase new equipment, Proulx said.

Echoing her excitement was Ashland Middle School seventh-grade student Falyn Zimmerman, a gymnast since she was 3 years old. She pointed out "more open space," giving her more things she can do. "It's amazing."

Jan Archer complimented the flooring and other features making the entire building "light and bright."

"Molly and I worked together in picking everything out," Shymske said. "We knew we wanted to use gray color tones with accents."

Woodward said Riley "encompasses the whole community," from helping children who may not be able to afford the activities to welcoming cancer patients to yoga classes.

"It's the relationships that will be transforming," Miller said.

No one should leave unchanged, he said in his prayer.

This article originally appeared on Ashland Times Gazette: Ashland YMCA ribbon cutting celebrates renovations and modern feel