Building community: Rejuvenated Tamaqua YMCA offers activities for all ages
Sean Landis of Coaldale builds up a sweat as he works out on the Universal machine inside the Tamaqua YMCA. Scan this photo with the Prindeo app for a photo gallery. TERRY AHNER/TIMES NEWS
From left, Mike Biros and Jess Garcia assemble equipment on the jungle gym located in the youth adventure center.
Austin Foley, 13, of Summit Hill, plays foosball in the youth adventure center. TERRY AHNER/TIMES NEWS
Frank Brooks, of Barnesville, and Edward Porambo, of Lansford, work on the low-intensity machines inside the circuit room.
Laura Bisco of Barnesville lifts weights inside the state-of-the-art fitness center.
Bruce Nixon of the Reading YMCA strips and waxes the gymnasium floor.
Makyi Wright, 15, of Lansford, shoots basketball.
Joseph Bradley, of Mahanoy Plane, does calf raise exercises.
Mike Biros of the Reading YMCA paints the walls inside the gymnasium.
Imagine a community hub that fosters a positive environment for children to learn good values, social skills and behaviors.
Envision a hot-spot where families can come together to have fun and spend quality time with each other.
Picture a place where children and teens play, and adults connect with friends to pursue interests and learn how to live healthier.
What may have once been a pipe dream is now a reality at the rejuvenated Tamaqua YMCA, located at 1201 E. Broad St.
What’s inside
The facility boasts a state-of-the-art fitness center, interactive youth center, group exercise rooms, a gymnasium, child watch area, Jack & Jill Preschool, a youth adventure center, low-impact machines for those looking for a lighter workout, and meeting/conference rooms, according to Jessica Marcolla, senior program director.
“The YMCA strengthens our community, gives the children a place to go after school, it brings the community together,” Marcolla said.
“The changes are very positive, the turnout is going to be wonderful over time.”
Marcolla, who started in her position Dec. 4, noted that the Tamaqua YMCA is affiliated with the YMCA of Reading & Berks County.
“We’re changing for the diversity of the area,” she said. “We’re such a big team here.”
Marcolla said the staff at the Tamaqua YMCA consists of 20 employees.
Membership benefits
Tamaqua YMCA members have access to group exercise classes at no additional cost; nursery care for their little ones while they exercise at no additional cost; all participating YMCA’s in the state, up to eight times per month through the membership reciprocity program; member discounts on programs and special events; the fitness center, with a wide variety of cardio and strength equipment; the gym; and the youth center.
Group exercises include Zumba Gold, Zumba Fitness, Zumba Toning, Silver Sneakers, Step Aerobics, STRONG by Zumba, Ramp Up and Yoga.
A nonprofit group, the Tamaqua YMCA offers financial aid assistance.
The Tamaqua YMCA is open from 5:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 5:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday.
Grand reopening
The recreational facility will hold its grand reopening from noon to 4 p.m. Sunday at the facility.
Originally, the grand reopening had been scheduled for Jan. 13, but was postponed due to the inclement weather.
Marcolla said the grand reopening will feature door prizes, tours, games, light refreshments, chair massages and a wellness area.
Also, Silver Sneakers instructor Barb Dereskavich will be on hand, as will John Ritzko, personal trainer, she said.
Marcolla said the event will celebrate the upgrades made to the facility.
“We’re changing the facility for the better, and to help the community out,” Marcolla said. “It’s all coming together.”
Membership costs for the Tamaqua YMCA:
Monthly
Adult: $30
Association Adult: $51
Family: $50
Association Family: $89
Senior: $27
Association Senior: $44
Senior Family: $44
Association Senior Family: $73
Student: $24
Youth: $18
Youth Day Fee: $5
Adult Day Fee: $10
Joining Fee: $50
Annual
Adult: $360
Association Adult: $612
Family: $600
Association Family: $1,068
Senior: $324
Association Senior: $528
Senior Family: $528
Association Senior Family: $876
Student: $288
Youth: $216
