For more than two decades, the young people of Tyrone have been learning at the YMCA Children’s Center at 1062 Logan Avenue.
But today, the kids are singing, dancing and playing in a much better facility.
According to Amy Hampton, YMCA executive director, today’s move to 1000 Logan Avenue gives the kids a safer and more modern environment to learn in.
“We’re real excited about the move,” said Hampton. “It was something we’ve been working on for quite some time now and I think everyone here is happy with the outcome. We really needed to get the pre-school out of this building and finding this space is really going to benefit these kids.”
According to Hampton, the reason the pre-school needed to be moved was a result of a National YMCA operational study conducted on May 9. Then, two executive directors from other YMCA chapters and a facility director noted a list of improvements and additions that needed to be completed.
These improvements included: installation of covers over light fixtures, installation of emergency lighting, clearly marking exits, installation of covers over heating units, window repairs, painting refurbishments and installation of a fire alarm system.
If the YMCA didn’t comply with requirements, it could have lost its national charter.
“We have to extend a lot of thanks to Rose Black, who leased the space to us for a great price,” said Hampton. “People in this community sometimes do not realize all this woman has done for Tyrone.”
Prior to the signing of the five-month lease, Hampton said YMCA officials searched for months for a new location. She said two churches in town were approached about moving the kids there, but neither were willing to agree.
The YMCA has also asked the Tyrone Area School District to provide a space for the pre-school. Hampton said moving to a school campus would not only give the children a better and more modern facility to learn in, but would also qualify parents for state-assisted funding for child care.
The topic was discussed at the work session of the school board last week and a voting decision could take place at this evening’s regularly scheduled meeting.
“We’re really hoping the school board officials see the advantages of housing our pre-school program,” said Hampton. “If they decide not to, we’ll again approach (Black) to request an extension of the lease.”
But today, the nearly 30 kids that are enrolled are happily at the new location.
“The parents are excited about the move, and so are the instructors and the kids,” said Linda Klesius, co-director of the YMCA Children’s Center. “It’s a beautiful building that gives us a lot more room and also provides a much more safer environment for the kids.”
The new space offers students a large common room for play and motor skill exercises. There are also separate classrooms for each of the instructors, a large kitchen area, plenty of closet room and restrooms for boys and girls.
There is also a spacious balcony area that overlooks the common area. Here, much of the administrative work will take place.
“It took a lot to get all of our things down here and I figure that we’ll be continuing to move things down for the next couple of weeks,” said Klesius.
Klesius said she wanted to express her thanks to Tyrone residents Annette Kilgus, Rob Welch and Tammy Emigh, who helped the instructors with the moving progress.
So with the move into the new location, areas on the second floor of the YMCA have opened up.
“Boy do we have some ideas for up there,” said Wendi Cushion, YMCA program director. “We have about 10 different ideas floating around now, but none are final.”
“We’re hoping to develop a youth group here in the near future and believe we could reserve a room for that. We’re also looking at a fitness room for aerobics and maybe even bring some of our craft programs back,” she said.
“There’s just so many different things we can do up there.”
For more information on YMCA programming or to share ideas, contact the YMCA at 684-2740.
